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The History of Harold Ferguson High School

A Journey of Alternative Excellence

Harold Ferguson High School (FHS) stands as a beacon of opportunity in Northern Colorado, rooted in a history of transformation and unwavering support for students who march to a different beat. While many know it today as a modern hub of innovation, its journey began in 1972 under the moniker Washington Alternative High School. For nearly a decade, the program found its footing, eventually transitioning in 1982 to its second home at 804 East Eisenhower.

As the needs of the student body grew, so did the school’s footprint. FHS provided a sanctuary of learning at the Eisenhower location for twenty-seven years before moving to 1101 Hilltop Drive in January 2009. This space formerly served as a Lutheran church and school. The most significant milestone in its physical evolution occurred in August 2020, when the school moved into its current, state-of-the-art, renovated building at 1811 W 15th Street, finally providing a facility that matches the high caliber of its programming.

FHS Eisenhower

Pictured: Ferguson High School, 1982 - 2009, Eisenhower Blvd

FHS Hilltop

Pictured: Ferguson High School, 2009 - 2020, Hilltop Drive

A Visionary Foundation

The school is named after Mr. Harold Ferguson, the former Principal of Loveland High School, who possessed a radical vision for his time. He recognized that the "one-size-fits-all" approach of traditional education left many brilliant minds behind. Mr. Ferguson was deeply moved by students facing:

  • Turbulent home lives or personal trauma.
  • Legal challenges or socio-economic barriers.
  • A fundamental need for a smaller, more intimate environment to thrive.

His belief was simple but profound: every student deserves a path to success, regardless of the obstacles in their rearview mirror. Today, FHS remains one of the oldest alternative, at-risk programs in Colorado, upholding that original mission.

Expansion and Impact

What started as a modest program has grown into a diverse educational ecosystem. While FHS typically serves a core group of 140 students, the integration of the Thompson Career Campus and TSD Options has expanded its reach. Depending on the time of year, the school now serves between 200 and 300 students, offering specialized pathways that blend academic rigor with vocational expertise.

The true measure of FHS, however, lies in its alumni. To date, over 1,200 students have walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas. These graduates have translated their alternative education into vital careers, serving as:

  • Nurses (CNAs) and Teachers
  • Mechanics, Electricians, and Managers
  • Musicians and Artists
  • Active-duty members of the United States Military

Bolstered by a $250,000 scholarship trust from the McKee Foundation, FHS continues to invest in its students' futures. These graduates aren't just statistics; they are the heart of the Loveland community and contributors to the world at large, proving that where you start doesn't define where you finish.

FHS W 15th Street

Pictured: Ferguson High School, 2020 - current, 1811 W. 15th Street