Loudoun County High once served as the only high school in the county before explosive growth prompted the opening of several more schools.

The school, which opened in 1953, once served a mostly rural population, but growth in recent years in the Leesburg and Middleburg areas has translated into the school having mostly suburban students.

Through the years, Loudoun County High’s boundaries have changed to accommodate the growth. In 2005, the school adapted to redistricting with the opening of Briar Woods High School, which took students from Loudoun County and Stone Bridge high schools and Eagle Ridge Middle School.

Principal William Oblas said the school has several events each year intended to bring students together. In addition to three or four dances each year, Loudoun County High has evening programs that include “Battle of the Bands,” talent shows, international festivals, and music and drama productions.

Oblas said the school has more than 25 student organizations and clubs for students.

“Our goals center around providing a variety of experiences for all of our students,” Oblas said.

According to Loudoun County High’s school improvement plan, the school is hoping to close the achievement gap between white and minority students. The school also wants to increase its graduation rate from 95 to 97 percent, while also ensuring that at least 90 percent of students pass all required SOL tests.

The improvement plan indicates the school is hoping to increase its attendance rate from about 95 percent to about 97 percent.

The school noted an increase in enrollment in AP classes from 10 percent to 20 percent during the 2006-07 school year.