A Look at Benson Polytechnic High School

Benson Polytechnic High School was named for Simon Benson, a philanthropist who donated the land and money to start the school. The school, which opened in 1908 with 125 boys, previously was known as the School of Trades (1908-1915) and Benson School of Trades (1915-1917). Benson originally was located at the Atkinson School building at S.W. 11th and Davis Streets (1908-1917). The oldest existing building at its current location on N.E. 12th Avenue opened on September 4, 1917. Benson was a boys’ school until 1973. Benson students are nicknamed the Techmen and the school’s colors are burnt orange and royal blue.

Today Benson continues its long tradition of producing graduates with a broad base of academic and technical skills. The school’s professional/technical program is unique, and labs and shops available at Benson are not duplicated anywhere else in the state. Students learn technical skills in areas of communications, construction, manufacturing engineering, electric/electronics engineering, industrial mechanics, drafting and health occupations.

Benson’s school-to-work focus allows students to choose a major after two years of study and receive on-the-job experience by working in local business and industry – everything from Tektronix to area nursing homes. KBPS-AM radio prepares communications students for careers in broadcasting as they work in the on-campus radio station. Benson students also design, build and sell a house every two years. Architecture students draw up the plans and construction students build the house.

Since its opening in 1908, Benson has consistently engaged students in active, hands-on learning that allows them to achieve their full potential. When they graduate from high school, Benson graduates are prepared to enter the workforce and to continue their education.