Ottawa High School is a public high school located in Ottawa, Kansas, serving students in grades 9-12. Its athletic teams, known as the Cyclones, compete in the Frontier Athletic League. The principal is Ryan Cobbs, the assistant principal is Derek Bland, and the athletic director is Brad Graf. The current enrollment of the school is approximately 689 students, and the school has 102 teachers, secretaries, paras, and nurses. Ottawa Middle School is its main feeder school.HistoryThe USD 290 school district was established on November 12, 1864 by Jacob Sumstine. The first term of Ottawa Public School (then the only school in the county) was held from 1864 to 1865 in the upstairs of a building on Second Street and Main Street. The first school building was built in 1866 and served until 1872. A newer school, referred to as Central School, was built at Fifth Street and Main Street and served until 1898 when it was renamed Washington School. This school ceased to exist in 1927. In 1917, adjacent to Washington School, a new building designed by architect George Washburn's son officially became Ottawa High School. This new school served the community for 51 years before a new school on Ash Street replaced it in 1968. Later, in 1978, wood and metal shops were added. The latest addition was created in 1990.AcademicsOttawa High School operates on a 7:45am to 3:10pm school day with 7 classes each day. Ottawa High School offers a wide variety of classes geared towards the specific abilities and interests of its students. In addition to the standard curriculum, the school also has various courses geared towards the preparation of students for college or university-level education. College prep courses are offered in English, government and economics.
