Glendale High School opened its doors in 1963 on 40 acres in southeast Springfield, Missouri. It is a four-year comprehensive high school with an enrollment of approximately 1400 students, and has been accredited by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools (AdvancED) in 1964. AdvancED is the unified organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. Glendale enjoys a comprehensive and diverse academic program, which meets the needs of the entire student population, including gifted and special education students. The majority of the teachers on staff hold a master’s or higher degree. The school restructured from a six-period day to a four-block delivery system in 1995-96.

The physical plant has changed a great deal since the school opened, with a 17 classroom addition in 1964, an auditorium and practice gym in 1991, an elevator in 1994, and band room in 2001. Community patrons successfully passed a bond levy and Glendale benefited by having air conditioning, new thermo double pane windows, and entry doors installed during the 2005-2006 school year. During the spring of 2009, Glendale opened eight new science/technology classrooms, journalism lab/studio, professional learning classroom, health services suite, guidance and counseling center, and a new main office complex. Phase I of the Falcon HPER (Health, Physical Education, and Recreation) Facility also opened in the spring of 2009. This project was funded by private individuals and businesses.

Glendale students consistently demonstrates high district/state averages and scores in attendance, graduation, post-secondary education enrollment, MAP, and ACT scores. Glendale students ranked number 1 on the Top 10 list for “Highest Performing Schools” by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their 2007-2008 Communication Arts MAP Scores. Glendale is the only District high school to meet Adequate Yearly Progress standards for the 2007-2008 school year as determined by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Schools.

Glendale students and staff are leaders in Peer Mediation and Character Education. GHS Peer Mediators are role models and provide training for student leaders from other Missouri schools. Character Education activities have included the formation of a site-based Character Council, specialized character training, and character essay contests.
Glendale was designated an A+ School in the year 2000 by the State Board of Education. More than 600 Glendale graduates have qualified for A+ certification since designation. The primary goal of an A+ School is to assure that programs, interventions, and incentives are in place to encourage all students to stay in school, make career plans, tutor younger students, and graduate with the skills and knowledge required for career success or post-secondary education. As an A+ School, Glendale works closely with business and higher-education leaders to provide community-based activities and opportunities for its students. Glendale has two enhanced business partnerships that include Bass Pro, Springfield and Chase Bank. McDonalds and American National Property and Casualty Company provide various instructional materials and supplies for students and staff. Members of the A+ Advisory Board include college, business, information technology, community, staff, parent, and student representatives.

Glendale High School has been recognized as a Missouri State High School Activities Association Leadership School two consecutive years in a row, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. MSHSAA recognizes schools with this award for excellence in the promotion of citizenship, sportsmanship, leadership, and scholarship through their interscholastic programs. There are 27 programs at Glendale. A school qualifies as a MSHSAA Leadership School when it has accumulated 85 of the possible 100 points on the checklist during a school year. Glendale scored over the maximum points possible both years.

Throughout the years, the following staff and/or students have received national, state, or District recognition for their efforts while attending or employed at Glendale High School: Coach Donald L. Provance - Missouri High School Hall of Fame Baseball Coaches 1991; Coach Jack J. Roberts - Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Basketball 1993; Coach Robert H. Price–Missouri Hall of Fame Football Coaches 1995; Marissa Whitley - Miss Teen Missouri 2001 and Miss Teen USA 2001; vocal teacher, Mr. Kevin Hawkins-Springfield Teacher of the Year 2005-2006; Coach James V. Whytlaw-2008 National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in the sport of Girls Swimming and Diving; Falcon Yearbook & Quill Newspaper/Magazine continually receives national accolades as a Pacemaker Finalist along with being recognized by Columbia (University) Scholastic Press Association as a Crown Finalist; retired Lady Falcon volleyball and basketball Coach Gloria “Jeanne” Calhoun and Girls and Boys Swimming and Diving Coach James Whytlaw were inducted into the 2009 Inaugural Glendale Coaches Hall of Fame and visual arts teacher; Mrs. Linda Griffin, received the Missouri Art Education Association’s 2009 award for Missouri Secondary Art Educator of the Year.

Glendale enjoys a great deal of parent and community involvement. The Glendale Site Council meets quarterly and consists of 12 staff, 15 student, and 10 parent/patron members. Numerous PTSA parent volunteers provide support for programs and assistance throughout the school year.

The Glendale staff, students, families, and community partners work jointly as a supportive educational team, thus assuring the school maintains a rich tradition in academic achievement and competitive extra curricular activities. Through these collaborative approaches and outreach efforts, we expect our labors to make a difference in the education of students enrolled at Glendale.