Overview of NEHS
North Eugene High School is a comprehensive high school with a rigorous academic program complemented by acclaimed elective offerings.
Page last updated August 28, 2009 1:22 PM
Grades: 9-12
Feeder Schools: Kelly, da Vinci, Madison
Student Body: Approximately 1,150
Our Vision
We are creating a learning-centered school that provides opportunities for all students to attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become lifelong learners in a rapidly-changing, complex world.
Mission Statement
We are a community high school committed to providing excellent instruction in a safe, caring environment. Our goal is the success of our students. The North Eugene community will measure our success as a school by the achievement of our students.
Small Schools at NEHS
Several smaller learning academies are used to help students gain the advantage
of being part of a more intimate school group:
North
International High School
The
School of IDEAS
Academy
of Arts
Although most of a student's day in spent within their small school, some
courses are available to all students including choir, acting, metal and
wood shops, all athletic programs, and more.
Learn
more about Small Schools at NEHS.
Programs of Study
The NEHS core programs of study
are designed to meet high standards and culminate in Advanced Placement college
credit classes in:
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
• Calculus AB
• Chemistry, Biology, Physics
• United States History
• Spanish Language and French Language
North also boasts several student-run businesses
NEMCO:
North Eugene Manufacturing Company
Northside
Catering
North
Preschool
Student/Parent Handbook
Download
a complete copy of this year's Student/Parent Handbook.
The History of North Eugene High SchoolScheduled to open September 1, 1957, North Eugene High School halls were first opened to students on October 21, 1957. Construction delays caused nearly two months of double-shifting at Kelly Middle School for the NEHS class of 1960. As one group of students was leaving, another would arrive.
Students found the school half complete: the gym and auditorium (and any rooms west of the gym hallway) were not scheduled for completion until the start of the 1958-59 school year. Even the “completed” section of the school were not ready for a “grand opening” on October 21.
The 325 Sophomores that would become the NEHS class of 1960 did not have a full complement of classmates until the fall of 1959. The student body grew in 1958 and 1959 with the addition of the new Sophomore class until in 1959-60 NEHS was finally a three-year school. (North was changed to a four-year school for the 1983-84 school year). The NEHS staff was built to full strength over the same three-year period.
Today, Silver Lane leads from a busy four-lane River Road west into a residential area. River Road is a business-lined arterial into the city of Eugene. The North Eugene campus dominates this residential area. Prior to the construction of NEHS, River Road was a country road winding parallel to the Willamette River. Silver Lane ran through filbert orchards and open fields. A walk from Colin Kelly Junior High was a rural jaunt. Walkers could observe a variety of agriculture and stop and pet the horses pastured in fenced fields.
The current NEHS campus was a filbert orchard belonging to a couple of Scottish ancestry. It appears that they donated land to School District 4J for the high school. Whether the exchange of land for the future school was a gift or otherwise, it was the source of rich traditions that define North Eugene High School a half-century later.
The NEHS mascot, Highlander, reflects the school’s heritage, as do the names of our school newspaper (Caledonian) and the yearbook (Tartan). A Caledonian is a native or inhabitant of ancient Caledonia or Scotland. Our dance and rally teams proudly wore the tartan reflecting the school's colors. Bagpipes hang above the fireplace in the student area.
Removing the filbert trees from the school site did not end the presence of the filbert at NEHS. Early pictures show that many filbert trees were planted in the landscaping of the campus to link the school to its past. The filbert nut maintained its presence with NEHS students in the time-honored tradition of having members of the incoming class roll filberts by pushing them with their noses. Although discouraged in latter years as a demeaning form of hazing, many proud Highlanders have fond memories of this unique tradition.
In April 2004 NEHS staff, parents, and community members were approached with information about the Oregon Small Schools Initiative project and grant opportunities. After interviews wth the OSSI granting committee, staff voted and an overwhelming 80% agreed to accept the grant, if it was offered. In May 2004 a $900,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was awarded to NEHS. During the summer of that year, a team of NEHS staff formed to facilitate transition and manage the budget. The team consists of staff from all departments at NEHS.
In September of 2004 Site visits to other small high schools began. Staff, parents, and community members attend. Information was compiled about the variety of forms the new schools could take.
In January of 2005 various meetings and workshops are held to help staff envision and develop proposals for the new schools.
In May of 2005 a second vote was held to make the final decision about transitioning to small schools. More than 2/3 of the staff agreed that North should continue to transform into 4 small schools. • North International High School
In the 2006 academic year, 3 small schools were implemented: • North International High School |
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