Jack Yates High School

Jack Yates High School has been in the Third Ward community since it opened its doors in 1926. Nicknamed «Tha Yard,» Yates has seen many students pass through its doors since opening day. Times have surely changed since then. The first thing I noticed when I visited the campus was that no one was allowed in. At the front entrance of the school, the doors are locked. You must use the intercom to announce yourself, and then you are buzzed in. An HISD police officer will escort you to the office where you will be asked to state the reason you are there, sign in and show your identification. Yes, times have really changed. This school is locked down tighter than Fort Knox. Yates have been in the news recently for numerous fights breaking out on campus. For this reason, security has been tightened and everyone who enters through the door is highly screened. I commend HISD for working hard to put the safety of the students and staff first.
On a positive note, Yates have the Maritime Academy which is great for students interested in joining the Navy or pursuing a careers as a longshoremen, naval engineer, marine engineer or other maritime careers. In addition, Yates also have the School of Health Science which allows students to pursue a career as a radiology tech or a pharmacy tech. These programs provide the necessary education needed for students to be successful in pursuing various careers in those fields that are offered in today’s workplace.
Yates is changing for the better and it is noticeable. If you have a student attending this school, I urge you to get involved. It really does take a whole village to raise a child.