Northeast High School (Missouri)
| Northeast High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| , United States | |
| Coordinates | 39°06′30″N 94°31′31″W / 39.10833°N 94.52523°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | "The Best Getting Better" |
| Established | 1914 |
| School district | Kansas City Public Schools |
| Principal | Douglas Bolden |
| Teaching staff | 41.97 (FTE) |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 697 (2023–2024) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 16.61 |
| Color(s) | Purple and White |
| Athletics conference | Interscholastic League |
| Mascot | Vikings |
| Nickname | The Castle on the Hill |
| Newspaper | The Nor'easter |
| Yearbook | The Courier |
| Website | Official website |
Northeast High School is a public high school located at 415 Van Brunt Boulevard in the Historic Northeast district of Kansas City, Missouri. It is part of the Kansas City Public Schools and opened in 1914. Due to its prominent location and imposing architecture, the school is widely known by its nickname, "The Castle on the Hill".
The building was designed by architect Charles A. Smith in the Collegiate Gothic style as one of the largest and most advanced schools in the region. During the city's lengthy desegregation case, Missouri v. Jenkins, Northeast was converted into a federally funded magnet school with a focus on law and public service, adding unique facilities such as a mock courtroom.
In the 21st century, the school has become defined by its role as a hub for Kansas City's immigrant and refugee communities. It houses the school district's "New Americans" program and is noted for its exceptional cultural and linguistic diversity, with over 50 languages spoken by its students. The student body is composed overwhelmingly of economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with approximately 95% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.
It has one of the most active alumni associations in the country, which was founded in 1948 and is a key institution in the school's community. In 2022, the school faced KCPS's recommendations for closure due to the age of its building, but the school was saved by significant mobilization from the alumni association.