School type Public high school Principal Christy Ellis Enrollment 2,155 (2006-2007) Mascot Lancers | Founded 1924 Grades 9-12 Phone +1 804-739-6275 Number of students 2,155 | |
 | ||
School district Chesterfield County Public Schools Address 12601 Bailey Bridge Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112, USA District Chesterfield County Public Schools Similar Monacan High School, Midlothian High School, Manchest Middle School, James River High School, Clover Hill High School | ||
Manchester High School is a high school located in the Midlothian community of unincorporated Chesterfield County, Virginia, United States.
Contents
The school is a part of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
History
In 1914, three schools consolidated to form Elkhardt School (now Elkhardt Middle School) 6300 Hull Street Road, which had a faculty of four, including the principal. In 1916, the first public transportation to the school was provided by horse-drawn wagon. The name was changed to Manchester District High School in 1924, with the first graduating class, in 1925, consisting of eight students. Rapid population growth, following World War II, required that new facilities be built, and in fall 1964 the school was moved to 7401 Hull Street Road (now Manchester Middle School). Westward urban sprawl from the nearby city of Richmond, Virginia, required yet another move in 1992 to the current location at 12601 Bailey Bridge Road.
Manchester currently serves almost 2000 students. Beyond its academic programs, the school also offers over fifty extracurricular activities including clubs, performing arts groups, publications, and athletic teams.
The school colors are orange and navy blue. The high school's mascot is the Lancer. The school holds rivalries with the nearby Meadowbrook High School Monarchs, longtime rival L.C. Bird, and the newer Cosby High School.
Campus
Manchester shares many of its facilities with the adjacent Bailey Bridge Middle School. It is home to Lloyd Swelnis Stadium, named after the long-time Manchester athletic director. In 2003 closed-circuit cameras were installed in the building and parking lots to provide better security for students and staff. An addition to the main building was completed in 2004 to house the Mass Communications and Spanish-Immersion Specialty Centers.
Students
Manchester High School has a diverse student body, consisting of approximately 1900 students, and is reflective of the multiple ethnicities present in Chesterfield County. The opening of Cosby High School in 2006, and the new location and recreation of Clover Hill High School has alleviated the over-crowding at Manchester High, allowing for the reduction in number of trailers previously used as classrooms.
Faculty
The current staff consists of 150 teachers, led by principal Christy Ellis. Assistant principals are Dr. Louis Millhouse, Mr. Don Gallier, Mr. David Altizer, and Ms. Pamela Lundy. They lead along with the Dean of Students, Mrs. Catrina Garland and Activities Director, Mr. Roger Cassem.
Activities
Sports teams include baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, softball, field hockey, track and field, cross-country, tennis, wrestling, and golf. Notable clubs include a JROTC program, Foreign Language clubs, school news paper, Model UN, show choir, marching band, Red Cross and cheering. There is also a Mass communication and Spanish Immersion specialty center.