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History of Van Nuys High School

In 1914, the San Fernando Valley was basically an agricultural area.  Van Nuys High School (VNHS) opened its doors that year, one of three high Schools in the San Fernando Valley.   

VAN NUYS BOULEVARD 1913

Over the years, it was not unusual for several generations of family members to have graduated.  Many students have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, and scientists.  Many worldwide known movie stars, athletes, television producers, and magazine editors have been among the student body over the years.  These include Robert Redford, Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Waterfield, and Don Drysdale.       

Van Nuys High School alumni included soldiers that served in the two World Wars, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War, and today in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

During every generation we have seen great changes at the campus at VNHS.  From the “Victory” gardens of World War II, to the closing of Haynes Street that used to run right through the middle of the school.  The campus was remodeled in the mid 60’s with a new “Boy’s” Gym, and in the late 60’s with the removal of the old “Home” building which included the cafeteria.  A new home building and cafeteria were constructed.  The new quad was also completed at that time.  The off campus farm disappeared, which traced it’s roots to the school’s agricultural beginnings.  This year, the quad area was refurbished and after 90 years, the school now has its own baseball field on the campus.