OHS Mission Statement

The mission of Ottawa High School is to build
relationships with students while educating through
rigor and relevance, resulting in life-long learners.

Front of building

Old OHS

Ottawa High School was founded in 1917 and moved to its current location in 1967. OHS is currently a 4A school enrolling over 700 students grade 9-12 operating on a 7 period schedule.  The Cyclones are currently a member of The Frontier League in competition with Baldwin, Bonner Springs, Eudora, Louisburg, Paola, Piper, Spring Hill, and Tonganoxie. The Principal is Mrs. Kelly Whittaker, the Interim Assistant Principal is Ms. Patrice Peoples, and the Associate Principal/Activities Director is Mr. Shawn Phillips.

Ottawa High offers a diverse range of classes designed to develop and integrate students’ individual needs and showcase their talents. In addition to the state mandated curriculum, OHS has a number of courses available for enrollment to students with aspirations of attending a post-secondary institution. Our partnership with Neosho County Community College provides the opportunity for students to enroll in over 30 hours of college credit without leaving our campus. Furthermore, OHS has opened the door for students to concurrently enroll in the college of their choice as a senior to further progress in their collegiate exploration.

Ottawa High School also offers and extensive Career and Technical Education program which includes pathways in Agricultural Science, Power, Structural & Technical Systems, Design and Pre-Construction, AV Communications, Visual Arts, Business Finance, Health Science, Restaurant & Event Management, Travel & Tourism, Early Childhood Development & Services, Family & Community Services, Web & Digital Communications, Marketing, and Mobile Equipment Maintenance. Furthermore, though a partnership with Neosho County Community College, OHS currently offers over 30 college credit hours toward a Level II Certification in the areas of Health Science and Welding with no tuition costs.

Ottawa provides a number of courses and activities that allow students to compete or perform in a non-athletic setting. Co-curricular courses include Debate and Forensics, as well as Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Cytones, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and Women’s Chorus. Our after school clubs who also compete include Science Olympiad, Scholar’s Bowl, Chess Club, FCCLA, and Skills USA. OHS also sponsors a Fall Musical, a Spring Play, and a Variety Show.

The diversity of our offerings provides Ottawa High School with the opportunity to support each of our students in an endeavor that is interesting and relevant to them. Subsequently creating an engaging school atmosphere dedicated to helping our students succeed and meet their goals.