A.M. Barbe High School is a 5A public high school located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The correct pronunciation of the school's name is "barb", rather than "bar-bay" or "barb-ee". The students are offered a variety of Advanced Placement courses as well as opportunities for dual enrollment in classes within the school and at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The school holds the title as having the largest enrollment in Advanced Placement courses in the entire State of Louisiana as well as having the highest scores on the exams. As of June, 2019, the Principal of Barbe is Patrick "Troy" Fontenot. Barbe is in Calcasieu Parish Public Schools.
History
Barbe High School first opened its doors on September 1, 1971. Construction continued throughout the first semester and was not completed until December. The first graduation ceremony was held in May 1973, with 260 graduates. At that time the school colors of blue and white were chosen and the Buccaneer was chosen as the mascot. The school, modeled after a junior college, consists of twelve permanent buildings that were originally constructed with the open classroom concept in mind. In 1980 Barbe added a science and art building as well as a new gym. Since then two new pod buildings, a new Stadium, and a Science and Business Building have been added, and the entire school has been completely renovated. The library and media building forms the center of the school, reflecting the importance of learning as the center of the schools philosophy.
Athletics
The Barbe High School athletics participate in all sports. Baseball, Football and Bowling are the sports for which the school is known. The Barbe bowling team has won the state championship in 2008, 2010 and 2011. The Barbe baseball team has won the state championship in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006, and 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2015. They have also won the NIKE SPARQ national championship challenge. In 2014, they were National Champions. The baseball team has produced six 5A State MVP's. For the 2013-2014 school year, the Barbe baseball team was ranked number 1 in the U.S. The football team went 9-3 the 2010 season. In 2012, they reached the State Championship Game in New Orleans, but lost to Rummel High School. They have won district and have made the playoffs almost every year. Barbe's other athletic teams include Color Guard, track, swimming, cheerleading, Bluebelles, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, Golf, Bowling, Rodeo, tennis and cross country.
