The original West Philadelphia High School (WPHS) building opened in 1912 as Philadelphia's first secondary school west of the Schuylkill, occupying an entire city block bounded by 47th, 48th, Walnut, and Locust Streets. The student population at that time was in excess of 5,500.[3] Such was the press on the new high school, which originally stood as two separate buildings for boys and girls, that the City was compelled to open Overbrook High School in 1926. A third high school, John Bartram, followed in 1935.
WPHS's athletic field, which is located at 48th and Spruce Street, was formerly known as Passon Field and home to Negro league baseball in the 1930s. It was the home field of the Eastern Colored League's Philadelphia Bacharach Giants starting in 1931, and the Negro National League'sPhiladelphia Stars in 1934 and 1935. In 1936, the Stars moved to Penmar Park at 44th and Parkside, where they played the majority of their home games through their final season in 1952. The field is still in use by West Philadelphia High School's football and baseball teams.[4]
21st century
In September 2011, the school moved to a new building at its current building at 49th and Chestnut Streets. The new building is much smaller due to reduced enrollment at the high school.[5] The former building at 47th Street & Walnut Street was converted into housing as the West Lofts, for about 268 apartments.[6]
In June 2013, the school district allowed the Sustainability Workshop to take all of the space in the auto mechanic building, prompting community opposition.[7]
In November 2016, the water from some faucets at the high school was found to be discolored, and was declared unsafe by school officials the following month.[8]
