William Jennings Bryan Senior High School's story is one that reflects the ever growing and ever evolving community it has proudly served for more 50 years. 

In 1964, under the leadership of veteran OPS educator, Dr. John McQuinn, a faculty and staff of 40 young educators and approximately 600 students, set out to create the values and traditions that we honor today at Bryan High.

Designed to house the junior high and senior high students of the burgeoning southwest community of Omaha, Bryan High first school year welcomed only 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders. It wasn't until the 1967-1968 school year, that Bryan Junior-Senior High had all six grades represented. Even then, as the first graduating 1968 class crossed the auditorium stage, it had become clear that the small building wouldn't be able hold all the students who wanted to join Bear Country.

Construction began, down the hill on 48th and Giles, on a new, larger facility and in 1972, Dr. McQuinn, along with his 10th, 11th, and 12th graders moved westward, six blocks to the building we know today as Bryan Senior High School.

Since its dedication in 1972, Bryan Senior High has seen the graduation of more than 15,000 students, the transition of five principals, the construction of several building renovations and expansions, and the addition of five award winning of academies. And we are just getting started!

As a “destination school” known for its inclusion and school spirit, Bryan High is currently home to more than 1800 students from all over the Omaha and Bellevue area. Over 30 countries and 33 languages are represented in the hallways of Bryan High School with our diverse student and staff members, and we pride ourselves on celebrating all cultures and walks of life. A 50-year tradition of creating a family bond between all Bears can be seen by the fact that forty-five Bryan alumni currently have returned home to work at their beloved school.

While our mascot and colors have endured through the years, the appearance of both has evolved over time. Just as Bryan High has matured as a school, so have the images that represent it. Long gone is the bright green and sunny yellow hues worn by a cuddly baby bear in the 1960s. It has been replaced by the older, much more ferocious bear, named Billy after our school’s namesake, that dons rich forest green and Vegas gold colors.

Billy is accompanied by our Athletic B that represents the ferociousness, pride and resilience that has come to define our Athletic Department.

The tradition of excellence in Bryan Academics is represented by our Academic Seal which defines the integrity and honor of our daily work at Bryan High School.

The Bryan High School Fight song has long been sung at pep rallies and sporting events for decades. Ask any Bryan Bear and they will be able to sing the words that unite us in our pursuit of greatness in everything we do!

Overtime, the main entrance has moved, the population has evolved, and our scheduling model has changed, but the heart of Bryan High can still be found in the strong sense of community that is felt in the pit every morning before the bell rings. It is a spirit of inclusivity, compassion, resilience, and pride that is shared throughout the generations and will always remain strong in the Bryan's Bear Country. 

WE ARE COMPASSIONATE

WE ARE INCLUSIVE

WE ARE RESILIENT

WE ARE PROUD