HISTORY OF DUMAS HIGH SCHOOL

Dumas New Tech High School (DHS), formerly Dumas High School, is a comprehensive public secondary school located in Dumas, , , for students in grades ten through twelve. Dumas is one of two public high schools in Desha County and is the sole high school administered by the Dumas School District. It serves territory in Desha and Lincoln counties, including Dumas, Gould, and Mitchellville. It also serves Arkansas Department of Corrections prison property. The Dumas district scheduled a consolidation of Gould High School into Dumas High effective fall 2005. The had merged into the Dumas district the previous year. The assumed course of study for students is to complete the Smart Core curriculum developed by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), which requires students to complete at least 24 units for graduation. Course offerings include regular and Advanced Placement classes and exams with opportunities for college credit via AP exam. The school is accredited by the ADE and has been accredited by AdvancED since 1957. In 2011, Dumas High School was ranked No. 1,584 of 2,008 high schools in the nation rated in the Challenge Index with an index score of 1.316. In 2012 and 2013, Dumas improved its ranking with a 2.640 and 2.820 index scores, respectively, and are ranked No. 548 (2012) and No. 534 (2013) of evaluated high schools, although the school's AP exam pass rate was below 10 percent. Students may participate in various musical and performing arts such as band or choir. The Fine Arts program has been expanded as of the 2018-2019 school year, now offering classes dedicated to theatre and jazz band. The Dumas High School mascot is the Bobcat with the school colors of purple and gold. For the 2012–14 seasons, the Dumas Bobcats participate in the 4A Region 8 Conference. Competition is primarily sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association with student-athletes competing in Quiz Bowl, football, baseball, basketball (boys/girls), golf (boys/girls), softball, tennis (boys/girls), track and field (boys/girls). Dumas students participate in a variety of leadership, business, affinity groups and career- centric pursuits ranging from membership, activities, events and conferences supported by Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Library Club.