William Tennent History
Every school has a story, and William Tennent High School's story is written through the lives and experiences of the thousands of students, teachers, coaches, and staff who walked its halls. This History Archive serves as a window into the past, showcasing photographs, yearbooks, documents, memorabilia, and historical records that reflect the spirit and traditions of the school. As you browse these collections, we hope you'll rediscover familiar faces, memorable moments, and the enduring connections that make the William Tennent alumni community so special.
Timeline
1929
Bucks County court formed Lower & Upper Southampton townships
- June: Court appointed an Upper Southampton School Board
- Schools included the "old stone building" for grades 6-10; portable building behind It for grades 3-5; house at Hampton Ave. & New Rd. for grades 1-2
- F. Eugene Klinger became Supervising Principal
1930
School board approved a new school to be built; included indoor toilets in "old stone building" for grades 3-5; and expanded the high school with grades 11 and 12
1931
February: Dedication of the new Upper Southampton High School located next to the "old stone building"; Students from Warminster Twp were invited to attend
1932
June: First class graduated from Upper Southampton High School; included nine students
1936
Four classrooms were added for grades 3-6
1944
Joint high school established; name became Upper Southampton-Warminster High School
1952
Eight classrooms were added; School District rented space from churches and Youth Center for classrooms
May 8: Formation of the Centennial Jointure which would include students from Ivyland, Upper Southampton and Warminster, through a School Board Authority
1954
March 4: Centennial Joint School Board Authority approved building a new high school
March 14: Ground breaking ceremony for the new William Tennent High School on Street Rd. in Warminster
1955
September 8: William Tennent High School opened its doors for nearly 900 students
1958
William Tennent High School completed an expansion-has classrooms, second gymnasium and cafeteria
1962
William Tennent High School completed 2nd expansion-has classrooms, library, lecture hall
1968
September 12: School Board received approval to build a two year (grades 11-12) high school; current high school would become an Intermediate High School (grades 9 - 10)
1970
March 11: Ground breaking ceremony for the new two year high school
1973
September 5: The second William Tennent High School opened its doors to receive students
1980
The first building known as William Tennent High School closed-property is sold in 1982
The 2nd William Tennent High School became a four year high school
2011
September 7, 2011: The third William Tennent High School welcomed its new students
