Thomas McKean High School
General Information
About (Overview)
Thomas McKean High School, founded in December 1966, is a public high school located at 301 McKennan’s Church Road in the suburban area of Wilmington, Delaware, and is part of the Red Clay Consolidated School District. Named in honor of Thomas McKean, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the school embraces the legacy of its namesake while serving a diverse student population from surrounding communities including portions of Wilmington, Elsmere, Pike Creek and Hockessin.
Thomas McKean High School emphasizes inclusive academic support, offering general, advanced, and special-education programs alongside wellness services such as the Christiana Care wellness center. The school’s culture is marked by its Highlander mascot, traditions rooted in Scottish heritage, and a commitment to adapt to changing student needs through flexible scheduling and evolving facility updates.
Contact Information
- Address: 301 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, USA
- Phone Number: (302) 992-5520
- Email Address: For general inquiries, the district uses the contact channels of Thomas McKean High School via the Red Clay district office.
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1966 |
| Motto | “It’s a great day to be a Highlander” |
| Grades Served | 9-12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 13.18:1 (2023-24) |
| Enrollment | Approx. 870 (2023-24) |
| School Type | Public High School |
| District | Red Clay Consolidated School District |
Thomas McKean High School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade | C (based on academics, resources, etc.) |
| Most Diverse Public High Schools in DE | #7 of 53 |
| GreatSchools Rating | 2/10 (indicating performance below state average) |
Thomas McKean High School Academics
Thomas McKean High School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies & History
- World Languages
- Career & Technical Education (CTE)
- Special Education & Inclusion Services
- Counseling & Wellness
- Visual & Performing Arts
Thomas McKean High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Standard and honors level courses in core academic subjects
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses (though enrollment is modest)
- Career and Technical Education pathways offering applied learning
- Support and inclusion programs for students with special needs and wellness services including a on-site wellness center
Online Learning
Thomas McKean High School supports blended learning opportunities and uses digital platforms to supplement classroom instruction, particularly for remediation, credit recovery, or advanced coursework. While not a full virtual school model, the institution provides students access to online resources and supports.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Approx. 980 (based on Niche data) |
| ACT | Not publicly specified |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The school’s four-year graduation rate is reported around 90% according to available data. (Niche) Thomas McKean High School fosters retention through a combination of support services, inclusion programs, and pathways that engage students across academic levels.
Thomas McKean High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public zoned high school, Thomas McKean High School does not require a formal application for local residential enrollment. For students choosing this school via district choice programs, readiness for academic work in the school’s offerings is considered. Notably, average SAT scores (~980) provide a benchmark of typical academic performance.
Thomas McKean High School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Zoned Admission | Open enrollment for students residing in designated attendance area |
| Choice Program | Students may apply via district school choice, space permitting |
Thomas McKean High School Application Requirements
For students outside the standard attendance zone seeking enrollment through the district choice or magnet mechanisms, the application process generally requires submission of prior transcripts, academic records, and residency verification. Placement considers readiness for the school’s academic and support structure.
Application Process
- Confirm attendance zone or apply through school choice program in the district.
- Provide proof of residency, prior school records, and required documentation.
- Participate in any orientation or assessment required by the district.
- Receive placement decision and schedule classes accordingly.
Thomas McKean High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| School Choice Application Opens | Late Winter to Early Spring |
| Deadline for Choice Applications | Spring |
| Placement Notifications | Late Spring |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable for standard zoned enrollment. Some choice or special-program admissions may involve interview or short statement.
Thomas McKean High School Scholarships
As a public school, there is no tuition or fees for standard enrollment. However, students may access externally-administered scholarships or grants for extracurricular, leadership or postsecondary preparation.
Thomas McKean High School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free for resident students |
| Registration/Activity Fees | May apply for sports/clubs, varies |
Thomas McKean High School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
In the 2023-24 school year, Thomas McKean High School had approximately 870 students. Gender distribution was 453 male and 417 female. Racial/ethnic composition included approximately: Asian (8), Black/African American (232), Hispanic (373), White (227), Two or More Races (24).
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The school serves a significant portion of students needing support: data indicates approximately 39% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Special education, inclusive services, and wellness programs are available to ensure access for students with disabilities or additional needs.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~870 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~13.18 : 1 |
University Diversity
Thomas McKean High School features a diverse student community, with significant representation from racial and ethnic minority groups and a broad socioeconomic range. This diversity enriches the school environment by bringing together students from different cultural backgrounds, enabling cross-cultural learning, collaboration in extracurricular activities, and broader perspectives in classroom discussions. The school’s commitment to inclusivity is evidenced by dedicated support programs, wellness services, and a counseling team that helps all students access rigorous coursework and pathways. In this environment, students develop interpersonal skills, empathy, and global awareness—important for success in college and careers in an increasingly diverse world.
Average Earnings
Precise alumni earning data is not publicly disclosed for Thomas McKean High School. However, by completing a public high school education with access to academic and support programs, graduates improve their postsecondary prospects and career potential. The institution’s emphasis on inclusive support, academic access, and college/career readiness lays the groundwork for students to pursue additional education or training, enhancing their likelihood of higher earnings over time.
Thomas McKean High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The school employs approximately 66 full-time equivalent teaching staff (2023-24) serving grades 9-12, yielding a student-teacher ratio of ~13.18:1. The faculty is supported by four school counselors, three special education coordinators, and three school psychologists, among other specialists dedicated to serving advanced, general, and special-needs populations.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Thomas McKean High School bring a range of expertise across academic disciplines and support services. With modern facility renovations and a focus on flexible scheduling, teachers contribute to an adaptive learning environment. The presence of robust support staff (counselors, psychologists) enables instructors to collaborate in delivering inclusive instruction and student wellness initiatives.
Thomas McKean High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Thomas McKean High School’s campus does not offer student housing, as it operates as a public day school. The facility includes classrooms, science labs, arts and athletic spaces, and support services including the wellness center. Student life is characterized by extracurricular activities, sports teams (mascot: Highlander) and traditions tied to the school’s Scottish-themed identity.
Transportation
Students commute to Thomas McKean High School via district-provided bus services, local transit, or parent-driven transportation. Located in suburban New Castle County, the school is accessible from surrounding communities including Wilmington, Elsmere, Pike Creek, and Hockessin.