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John R. Lewis High School

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Coordinates: 38°46′50″N 77°10′12″W / 38.78056°N 77.17000°W / 38.78056; -77.17000
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John R. Lewis High School
Address
Map
6540 Franconia Road

Springfield
,
Virginia
22150

United States
Coordinates38°46′50″N 77°10′12″W / 38.78056°N 77.17000°W / 38.78056; -77.17000
Information
School typePublic, high school
Founded1958; 67 years ago (1958)
School districtFairfax County Public Schools
PrincipalAlfonso Smith
Teaching staff140.00 (FTE) (2016–17)[1]
Grades9–12[1]
Gendercoeducational
Enrollment1,816 (2016–17)[1]
Student to teacher ratio12.97∶1 (2016–17)[1]
LanguageEnglish
CampusSuburban[1]
Color(s)  Blue
  Gold
Athletics conferenceNational District
Northern Region
Team nameLancers
RivalsWest Springfield, Thomas Edison, Alexandria City High School
Feeder schoolsFrancis Scott Key Middle School, Mark Twain Middle School
Websitelewishs.fcps.edu
Last updated: July 24, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-07-24)

John R. Lewis High School is a public high school in Springfield, Virginia. It is a part of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and opened in 1958. The school was originally named Robert E. Lee High School (Lee High School) after Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general, but starting at the beginning of the 2020–2021 school year it was renamed John R. Lewis High School after John Lewis, the recently deceased politician and civil rights leader.[2][3] The school name changes began shortly after the vote was announced.[4] Lewis High School athletic teams are known as the Lancers. The school slogan is "All Means All".

History

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The school opened in 1958 during a period of strong opposition to racial integration in Virginia's public schools. Fairfax County, along with many Southern jurisdictions, was under de jure segregation at the time. In response to the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, the state—not localities—retained control of integration policy through the so-called Stanley Plan.[5][6]

At a time when Fairfax County was still enforcing school segregation, the school board named new high schools after Confederate figures, reflecting the political climate. According to author Tom Gjelten, the county "defiantly named their next two high schools after Confederate army generals—J.E.B. Stuart and Robert E. Lee."[7]

The site chosen for the new school was located on Franconia Road, near the border between Springfield and Franconia, across from what is now Springfield Town Center. Originally referred to as Franconia High School in planning documents, the school board debated the name over multiple meetings. On February 4, 1958, the Upper Pohick Community League submitted a letter proposing that schools be named after prominent Virginians, citing examples like "Fitzhugh" or "Lee."[8][9]

Fitzhugh Lee, a Confederate general and nephew of Robert E. Lee, was considered due to his ties to the nearby Clermont estate.[10]

At a May 6, 1958 meeting, School Board member Mr. Solomon proposed naming future high schools after deceased Americans of note, but exempted "Franconia H.S." from the motion. Mr. Woodson opposed dividing the community, stating, "I don't want the children coming to this school saying I'm from Springfield... I'm from Franconia... let's fight."[11]

Ultimately, the board selected "Robert E. Lee High School" as a compromise, since the communities involved were in the Lee District. The same year, the board named several other schools, including Stuart and James Madison high schools on October 7, 1958, followed by Thomas Edison and George C. Marshall in 1960, and Thomas Jefferson in 1962.[9]

The original name remained for more than 60 years. However, in the wake of national movements to remove Confederate symbols, two African-American students at the school launched a campaign to rename it. On June 23, 2020, the Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously to change the name.[12][13]

On July 23, 2020, the school board announced that the school would be renamed **John R. Lewis High School**, in honor of the late congressman and civil rights icon. The name officially went into effect for the 2020–2021 school year.[2]

Demographics

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As of the 2023–2024 academic year, John R. Lewis High School had an enrollment of 1,675 students. The racial and ethnic composition of the student body was as follows:

  • Hispanic: 906 students (54.1%)
  • Asian: 346 students (20.7%)
  • White: 199 students (11.9%)
  • Black or African American: 180 students (10.7%)
  • Two or more races: 36 students (2.1%)
  • American Indian or Alaska Native: 5 students (0.3%)
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 3 students (0.2%)[14]

The school also serves a diverse population with significant representation of English learners and economically disadvantaged students. In the 2023–2024 school year:

  • English learners: 655 students (39.1%)
  • Economically disadvantaged students: 1,224 students (73.1%)[15]

Administration

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Lewis High School has served the Springfield community since it opened in 1958. Like many schools in Fairfax County, Lewis reflects the increasing diversity of its student body. Student families have origins in 42 countries (mostly Latin American) and speak more than 34 languages.

The integration of technology into the instructional program continues to be a major initiative. The labs are equipped with computers, digital cameras, and scanners for computer graphics and photography classes, and a fully computerized CAD lab is available for technical drawing and engineering classes.

Deirdre Lavery was principal from 2014 to 2019.[16] Alfonso Smith was appointed as principal in January 2020.[17][18]

Career Center

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Lewis High School has a College and Career Center inside the school. It is currently run by Steven Williams. Its goal is to provide students with college planning services through the use of computer software, videos, catalogs, and visits by college representatives from state and national colleges and universities. Career planning, military options, scholarship, and financial aid information are also available. Throughout the year, many special programs are presented for both parents and students.[19]

International Baccalaureate program

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John R. Lewis High School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) as part of its Advanced Academics curriculum. The IB DP is a two-year educational program for students in grades 11 and 12, recognized internationally for its rigorous academic and personal development focus. The program aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge—students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.

The IB Diploma Programme at Lewis High School encompasses six subject groups:

  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • Language Acquisition
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The Arts[20]

In addition to these subjects, students complete three core components:

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
  • Extended Essay (EE)
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)[21]

Lewis High School follows an open enrollment policy, allowing all interested students to participate in the IB program. Students may choose to pursue the full IB Diploma or enroll in individual IB courses to earn certificates. Completion of IB courses and success on IB examinations can lead to college credit, depending on the policies of the higher education institutions. Generally, scores of 6 or 7 on IB exams are considered for credit, similar to the Advanced Placement (AP) program.

For more detailed information about the IB Diploma Programme at John R. Lewis High School, including course offerings and requirements, please refer to the school’s official IB program page.[22]

Student activities

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Honor societies

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Students are selected for membership through an application process and sometimes interviews are conducted. Candidates must meet the chapter's requirement for scholarship, service, leadership, and character in order to be selected for membership. Continued participation in service projects is required to retain membership. Members must also maintain the chapter's required cumulative GPA and have a good understanding of the language, or specialty.

  • German Honor Society
  • Quill & Scroll Honor Society (Publications)
  • Japanese Honor Society
  • Spanish Honor Society
  • Thespian Honor Society (Theater)
  • History Honor Society
  • English Honor Society

Student government

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The Student Government Association consists of elected and selected students who represent the entire student body. The objectives of the SGA are to promote school spirit, initiative and unity among the different classes and students, coordinate school activities and to provide a means of communication among administration, faculty, and students. The SGA sponsors Homecoming Dance, Homecoming Elections, Powder Puff Game, Chili Cook-Off, Homecoming Parade, Family Feud, The Senior vs. Faculty Basketball Game, Blizzard Blast, Mr. and Ms. Irresistible, International Night, three pep rallies (Fall, Winter, Spring), class elections and balloting among many other school activities.

Publications

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The Lance is Lewis High School's monthly newspaper. A student-run newspaper with a staff of approximately 20, The Lance covers news and events in the school, community, and nation. The Lance won Trophy Class, the highest honor bestowed by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), in 2003–2004 and 2005–2006.

The Shield, Lewis's yearbook, serves as an informational record, memory and historical reference for the students and faculty as well as the Lewis High School's community at-large. The Shield covers academics, sports, student activities and student accomplishments with fairness and accuracy. The content is decided upon by the student staff members enrolled in Photojournalism 1, 2, and 3. Recruiting to become part of the staff typically takes place in early February when course selections are being made for the next year. Students are selected through a process that includes a written application, teacher recommendations, and interviews OR through successful completion of Journalism 1. Lewis's 2006–2007 edition of the yearbook was named a Pacemaker finalist.

The Troubador is a literary magazine by and for the students of John R. Lewis High School, published to promote an interest in the arts by showcasing student art and literature.

Lancer Theatre

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The Theatre Department at Lewis High School produces two mainstages a year: a fall play and a spring musical. One of the mainstage shows is selected as the Cappies competition piece. Lancer Theatre Department also usually produces a competition piece in October to perform at the Virginia Theatre Association conference. Lancer Theatre's Thespians, troupe 362 of the International Thespian Society, produces an annual Murder Mystery dinner show in September, a Lancer Idol voice competition in December, theatre parties, fundraising, and other community events. To be part of the Thespian Honors Society one must collect 30 points in theatre, which are obtained by being in shows, seeing productions, and so on. Lancer Theatre also has a Drama Club that is open to all current and alumni Lewis students. Drama Club includes theatre updates, food, fun, games, and theatre sports. Finally, Lewis High School offers theatre classes, including Theatre 1–4, IB Theatre 1–2, and Technical Theatre.

Marching band

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The marching band includes members from the top two bands, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, and are directed by Kelly May McGee. Also referred to as the Marching Lancers, they attend all the varsity home football games and play during the halftime show. They also perform the school fight song and a drum cadence during pregame, as well as adding assorted popular songs in the stands during the games. Outside of football games, they attend up to two competitions per year, with the first always being the Colgan Classic, as well as VBODA state marching assessment.

In the 2006 year, The Lewis Marching Lancers achieved a superior rating at the VBODA state marching festival, in Winchester, and later received the title of a "Virginia Honor Band."

On June 5, 2023, the Marching Lancers performed for Vice President Kamala Harris during a school safety event[23] hosted at Lewis High School, performing the school's fight song before the event, and Happy after her speech was complete.

Sports

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John R. Lewis High School offers a comprehensive athletics program, competing in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) as a member of the National District. The school's teams, known as the Lancers, participate in various sports at the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity levels. [1]

Football

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The Lancers' football team competes in the National District of the VHSL.

Track and Field

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The track and field program at Lewis High School has a history of producing All-District, All-Region, All-State, and All-American athletes. In 2007, the team secured third place in the AAA Virginia State meet.

Notable alumni include Terry Cobb (Class of 1966) and Sean Holston (Class of 2007), both of whom continued their track and field careers at the collegiate level.

Basketball

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The girls' varsity basketball team achieved significant success during the 2007–2008 season, winning the Northern Region title.

The boys' basketball program boasts alumnus SirValiant Brown, who, after graduating in 1999, played for George Washington University. During his freshman year, he averaged 24.6 points per game, ranking second in the nation. [2]

Softball

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The Lancers' softball team experienced a period of growth and success in the mid-2010s. In 2015, they were ranked as high as #6 in the All-Met rankings and qualified for regional tournaments four consecutive years from 2014 to 2017.

Soccer

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In the 2023 season, the Lancers reached the Virginia Class 6 state championship game, finishing as state runners-up. This accomplishment was highlighted by the performance of midfielder Moad Ezzahir, who earned First-Team All-District and All-Region honors. Ezzahir went on to continue his soccer career at American University.[24]

Notable alumni

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Search for Public Schools - Lee High (510126000521)". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "School Board Renames Robert E. Lee High School for Late Congressman John Lewis | Fairfax County Public Schools". www.fcps.edu. July 23, 2020. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020. Cite error: The named reference "fcps.edu" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Board changes school's name from Robert E. Lee to John Lewis". AP News. July 23, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  4. ^ Graf, Heather (July 23, 2020). "Fairfax County's Robert E. Lee High School's new name will honor John Lewis". WSET. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  5. ^ Duke, Daniel L. (2005). Education Empire: The Evolution of an Excellent Suburban School System. State University of New York Press. p. 18. ISBN 0-7914-6493-8 – via Project MUSE.
  6. ^ "Blakeney v. Fairfax County School Board, 226 F. Supp. 713 (1964)". Leagle. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  7. ^ Gjelten, Tom (September 15, 2015). A Nation of Nations: A Great American Immigration Story. Simon and Schuster. p. 56. ISBN 978-1476743851.
  8. ^ "Upper Pohick Community League". The Sydenstricker Schoolhouse. July 26, 1954. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Fairfax County Public School Board Archived Minutes". Fairfax County Public Schools. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  10. ^ "Fitzhugh Lee". Gunston Hall. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  11. ^ "Feud over school names settled". The Washington Post. May 8, 1958.
  12. ^ "Two Teen Girls' Mission to Change Their School's Confederate Name to Honor John Lewis". Ms. Magazine. November 6, 2020.
  13. ^ Basch, Michelle (June 23, 2020). "Fairfax County School Board votes to change name of Robert E. Lee High School". WTOP-FM.
  14. ^ "Lewis High School - Demographics". SchoolDigger. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  15. ^ "Lewis High - Virginia School Quality Profile". Virginia Department of Education. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  16. ^ Shapiro, T. Rees (July 16, 2014). "New principal to head Fairfax's Lee High". Washington Post.
  17. ^ "Welcome, Principal Smith! | John R. Lewis High School".
  18. ^ King, Nardos. "Welcome, Principal Smith! | John R. Lewis High School". lewishs.fcps.edu. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  19. ^ "College & Career Center | Lewis High School". John R. Lewis High School. Fairfax County Public Schools. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
  20. ^ "John R. Lewis High School – Academics". Fairfax County Public Schools. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  21. ^ "International Baccalaureate Courses – FCPS". Fairfax County Public Schools. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  22. ^ "IB Diploma Programme – John R. Lewis High School". Fairfax County Public Schools. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  23. ^ "John R. Lewis High School Hosts U.S. Vice President for School Safety Event | John R. Lewis High School". lewishs.fcps.edu. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  24. ^ "12 Moad Ezzahir - 2024 Men's Soccer Roster". American University Athletics. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  25. ^ Davenport, Christian; Amon, Michael (May 9, 2004). "Accused Soldiers a Diverse Group". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  26. ^ Sullivan, Patricia (December 21, 2018). "As Alexandria mayor, Justin Wilson wants to quicken how government works". Washington Post. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
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