Thomas Jefferson High School
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Fall of 1930 to help ease the crowded conditions in San Antonio's two existing High Schools. Despite public protest at the expense involved, the project was completed in January 1932. Designed by the San Antonio architectural firm of Adams and Adams, Thomas Jefferson High School is built around two large patios with a tower and sub-tower. It features an elaborate Baroque entry, a Red Spanish tile roof, wrought iron balconies, and the school's coat of arms cast in stone on the four sides of the tower dome. It was the first San Antonio High School to have tile floors and the first to have its own Gymnasium. Thomas Jefferson High School, whose name was chosen by the students, opened its doors on Feb. 1, 1932, and had an initial enrollment of 1400. Over the years, both the school building and the student body have received national and international recognition in newspapers, magazines, and films. The school has produced numerous outstanding Alumni in the fields of Government, the military, communications, education, athletics, the medical and legal professions, business, and fine arts.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built between 1930 and 1932 to relieve overcrowding in San Antonio's high schools, Thomas Jefferson High School rose despite public grumbling over its cost — and quickly justified the expense. Designed by the firm of Adams and Adams around twin patios and a landmark tower, its Spanish Baroque entry, red tile roof, and wrought-iron balconies made it one of the most celebrated school buildings in the country, later appearing in magazines and films. It opened to 1,400 students in February 1932.
Why it matters
The school is a showpiece of the Spanish Revival civic architecture that defined San Antonio's identity and of the ambitious public-school building boom of the era.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Artpace3.6 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Visitor's Center Museum3.6 mi away
- Centro de Artes3.6 mi away
- Spanish Governor's Palace3.8 mi away
- San Antonio Museum of Art3.9 mi away · 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum4.0 mi away
Attractions
- Air Castles1.3 mi away
- Scobee Planetarium2.8 mi away
- Terror Mansion2.9 mi away
- Murchison Tower3.3 mi away
- Japanese Tea Garden3.7 mi away
- River boat boarding3.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Texas de Brazil4.0 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- La Vida Coffee & Drinks4.0 mi away · 106 Jefferson Street
- Playland Pizza4.0 mi away
- Voodoo Donut4.0 mi away
- The Local Bar4.0 mi away
- Landry's Seafood House4.0 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
Places to stay
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio3.9 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk3.9 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TX3.9 mi away · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
- The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio3.9 mi away · 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio4.0 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Best Western Premier Historic Travelers Hotel Alamo/Riverwalk4.0 mi away
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Themes & tags
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