It has been 36 years since Western High School opened its doors in 1973. Overcrowding at Central and Handy High Schools was the reason Western was built. During this time the city kids would go to school in the morning and the country kids would go in the afternoon. New boundaries were established, with everyone west of Euclid Avenue attending Western High School. Seniors were given the option to complete their education at Handy or Central.

On the first day of school there were Handy kids on one side of the room and Central kids on the other side. By the end of the year they were all Western High Students. When the building opened, many parts were not done. Some examples were the main hallway, the pool and the commons. There were student desks still in boxes in some parts of the building. You would have found rolls of carpet stacked against the walls. In some cases students actually ate their lunches on top of those carpet rolls.

We still have one of the original staff members on our current staff: Mrs. Diane Sullivan in English.  Many things have changed since that first year. We have a new gym floor and lights,  computer lab, new carpet in many of the rooms, and updated athletic facilities.

Our curriculum has also changed. We are a Career Pathways High School. There is a variety of classes for students to select. We have Advanced Placement classes where students can earn college credit, a Dual Enrollment Program, and outstanding Fine Arts and Industrial Arts Programs. We feel that when a student leaves Western High School upon graduation, they will have the skills necessary to pursue any interest they may have.

Bay City Western High School Annual Report