Discover the Largest High School in Ohio (And Notable Alums)

Key Points:

• The largest high school in Ohio is William Mason High School, a public, coeducational high school located in Mason.
• It boasts a total student population of more than 3,490 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of around 24 to one.
• The first graduating class of the school, comprised of only seven students, completed their studies in May 1886.

Ohio is located in the eastern region of the United States. The Buckeye State is known for its corn production, the Professional Football Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aside from its tourist attractions, Ohio is recognizable by its flat landscape. The many plains and meadows in the state make it ideal for agriculture and farm life. During the winters, the absence of hills allows wind chills from the Great Lakes in the north to cool off the entire state. Although the state experiences moderate summers and springs, winters in Ohio are extremely cold. On average, the temperature in the state does not exceed 37 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months.

The total area of Ohio equals 44,825 square miles. With a population of almost 12,000,000, this means that there are around 282 residents per square mile in the state. Across the many towns and cities in Ohio are 1,360 high schools. Of these high schools, 1,152 are public and 208 are private. However, one is much larger than the rest. Keep reading to discover the largest high school in Ohio, William Mason High School.

The Largest High School in Ohio

Located in Mason, William Mason High School is the largest high school in Ohio. Aside from being the largest in the state, William Mason High School is also one of the best academically. The institution is ranked 13th out of all Ohio high schools, and 440th out of every high school in the United States. Although Mason is far from the largest city in Ohio, it houses the largest high school. This is because the largely rural area has few other public school options, allowing the majority of the high school population to convene in one place.

However, fewer options in the area do not mean that William Mason County High School is a bad option. The diverse student population allows adolescents to interact with people from many different backgrounds. This allows them to be exposed to many cultures and ideas and betters their education and preparation for the outside world. Aside from diversity, the school offers many extracurricular opportunities, ensuring each student is able to pursue their passions.

William Mason High School’s Historical Background

Although William Mason High School is currently the largest high school in Ohio, it did not start out that way. To understand how the institution grew into what it is today, it is important to understand the history of the school.

Before the current facilities of William Mason High School were built, classes took place at the Mason Presbyterian Church. The first graduating class of the school completed their studies in May 1886. Comprised of only seven students, the class was taught by one confirmed teacher over a three-year program.

Over a century later in 2002, the current campus of William Mason High School was opened. A growing population and high-quality academics and athletics attracted even more students to the high school. In 2009, another expansion project, costing over $30,000,000 was completed to accommodate the growing student body.

Since the 2009 addition, the campus has remained relatively the same, although more students enroll in the school as time passes.

Which Type of High School is William Mason High School?

To understand why William High School is the largest in Ohio, it is important to look at its many features. Keep reading to discover all the school has to offer.

A Public High School

William Mason High School is a public high school. This means that the school is funded through the government rather than by families paying tuition. Attendance at public high schools is usually free, as it is paid for by residents’ tax dollars. William Mason High School belongs to the Mason City Schools district, which serves almost 11,000 students in total.

Grades 9-12

Similar to most other high schools, William Mason High School serves students from grades nine to 12. The school is coeducational, meaning that the school is open to students of all genders.

Hope Squad

One unique aspect of this school is the Hope Squad. The Hope Squad is a mental health awareness program run by the students of the school. Students are anonymously nominated by their peers to serve as “squad members,” allowing them to hear from other students about their mental health issues. This program was founded in 2018 and has worked towards ending the stigma surrounding mental health ever since.

Diversity

Because William Mason High School is so large, it is also fairly diverse. Almost 40 percent of students enrolled in the high school are classified as minorities. Around half of the student population is classified as low-income, creating a socio-economically diverse group in addition to racial diversity.

Enrollment Numbers

The total enrollment numbers of William Mason High School are what make it the largest high school in Ohio. Because the school serves such a large area, the number of students in attendance is incredibly high. Here are the statistics that make William Mason High School so impressive.

Student Population

Across four grades, William Mason High School boasts a total student population of 3,492 students. This means that there are around 873 students enrolled in each grade. Out of all of these students, 97 percent graduate in four years. They have reported proficiencies of over 80 percent in every subject, and 69 percent of students have taken at least one Advanced Placement exam. These statistics show that in addition to an impressive size, the student population of the school is also incredibly academically proficient.

Staff Numbers

Amidst the almost 3,492 students are 154 full-time teachers. This gives William Mason High School a student-to-teacher ratio of around 24 to 1. For a high school of its magnitude, this ratio is actually fairly rare. The high volume of qualified staff ensures that each student can feel supported and accommodated in their academic pursuits.

Notable Alumni

Because William Mason High School has served so many students, many of them have gone on to make names for themselves. Here is a list of the most notable alumni of the school that conquered the fields of athletics, entertainment, and journalism.

Athletics

• Percy Coleman: Coleman was one of the first alumni of William Mason High School, graduating in 1894. He then went on to join the Saint Louis Browns as a pitcher, and then the Cincinnati Reds.
• Josh Kline: Kline graduated from William Mason High School in 2008. He played football at the school and in college before playing professionally. He has played for National Football Leagues such as the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings.

Entertainment

• Brant Daughtery: Daughtery got his start acting in school plays at William Mason High School. Four years after graduating in 2004, he moved to Hollywood to pursue acting full-time. Daughtery has played important roles in shows like “Pretty Little Liars” and “Days of Our Lives,” and films such as “The Starving Games.”

Journalism

• Dan Patrick: Patrick graduated from William Mason High School in 1974. He got his big break reporting sports news for CNN before working for ESPN. Patrick signed with “Sports Illustrated” for his very own radio-tv show and has hosted many sports-related shows and programs since.