London Central Elementary High School

London Central Elementary High School was a United States Department of Defense Dependents School (DoDDS) in the Isles District of DoDDS Europe for pupils in grades kindergarten through grade 12. It operated from 1951 until 2007.

LCEHS fell under the command of the U.S. Naval Activities in the United Kingdom (COMNAVACTUK).

History

London Central High School (commonly known as 'LCHS') was established in 1951 at Bushy Park, England, across the River Thames from Hampton Court Palace, for students in grades 7 through 12. Subsequent base closures led to two moves: to Bushey Hall, in 1962, and then, in 1971, to RAF Daws Hill, its final location.

For the 2006–2007 school year, LCHS's curriculum was expanded to include the primary grades as well, which changed the school's name. LCEHS is the only DoDDS school with dormitories for children whose families live far away.

LCHS staged a formal closing ceremony on May 15, 2007, because of the impending closure of RAF Daws Hill due to the relocation of the USNAVEUR Headquarters in London to Naples, Italy. The school closed in June 2007 with a handover of keys back to the US Navy/RAF on 30 June.

Former students include the three founders of the band America, Bo Bice, author Robert Davenport, Lieutenant General Thomas C. Waskow [http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7517] and columnist Dale Van Atta.

A book about London Central High School entitled 'From the Faculty Lounge' was published in 2007 and features memories of the school in all three of its locations from around 35 former principals, teachers and staff. Futher information about the school and the book can be found on a website: www.fromthefacultylounge.com

External links

* [http://www.lcen-hs.eu.dodea.edu LCEHS Homepage]
* [http://www.lcen-hs.eu.dodea.edu/schoolinfo/closure/closingcerm.pdf Official statement about the final closing of the school]