Thomas McKean High School


Thomas McKean High School is a comprehensive public high school located on 301 McKennan's Church Road in Wilmington, Delaware. The school opened in December, 1966, and graduated its first class in June 1967.

Traditions

Having selected Thomas McKean, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, as its namesake, the school followed several traditions associated with the Scottish heritage of Thomas McKean. The mascot is a fierce Highlander, wearing a kilt made of the tartan of the Clan MacDonald. Among the dominant colors of the plaid are blue and green, the school's colors. In addition, the names of the school newspaper - Minstrel - and the yearbook - Talisman - reflect the culture of the Scottish Highlands.

Physical building

Originally designed as a model school for flexible scheduling, the building has several unique features and has proven adaptable to many situations. The school expanded in 1972, adding a new wing to the building as well as adding ninth grade to the student body. Thus, the class of 1976 was the first to spend four years at McKean. The school is currently undergoing construction to update the labs and slowly upgrading the school's internal computer network. A new band room and several other new rooms are also being constructed.

Enrollment decline

According to the Delaware School Profiles, Thomas McKean High School is currently declining in enrollment. This may be due to a mix of changing area demographics, the Delaware school choice system, and increasing enrollment at charter and magnet schools across the state. It is, however, most likely due to the poor math, science and English attained by the students enrolled at the school. It is a shame that the poor student scores are tied directly to the staff and curriculum as opposed to the students.
In the year 2001, 1,354 students were enrolled at Thomas McKean High School. By the year 2007, 1,062 students were enrolled, a 19% drop.
During the 2013–14 school year, Thomas McKean High School was listed as having 874 students, a slight increase of 11 over the previous school year.

Sports

McKean was known to be one of the top public powerhouse men's swimming teams. They consistently finished in the top three for States. Here are some of the team's accomplishments.
YearMen's swimming season accomplishment
1980
1996
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 1997
  • State Runner-Up
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 1998
  • Delaware State Champions
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 1999
  • State Runner-Up
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 2000
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 2001
  • State Runner-Up
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 2002
  • State Runner-Up
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 2003
  • State Runner-Up
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions
    • 2004
  • State Runner-Up
  • Blue Hen Conference Champions

    • Points of pride

  • McKean's current marching band is led by Drum Major Claudia Duran. The Director is Ryan Williams.
  • The school's most famous alumnus is former Dallas Cowboys great Randy White, who has the football field named in his honor.
  • The school also counts Tom Verlaine of the band Television as a former student.