Welcome to Navarro Early College High School, where we are committed to a culture of academic excellence with a tradition grounded in Pride, Respect, and Responsibility.
For almost a half a century, Navarro Early College High School has served the Austin community by providing leadership in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The highly skilled and educated faculty and staff of Navarro have been consistent over the years in training top citizens and community leaders. Navarro offers a broad base of opportunities for every kind of student, with competitive programs.
Established in 1961 as the sixth high school in the Austin Independent School District, Navarro ECHS was originally located in the building which now houses Burnet Middle School. Our current facility, opened in 1966, is located on Payton Gin Road.
Over the years, the school's ethnic diversity has evolved to the point where Navarro more closely reflects an international population with over 53 countries represented, making it the most diverse high school in Austin.
The history of Navarro Early College High School is reflected in the names it has carried over time. When the campus opened in 1961, it was named Sidney Lanier High School in honor of Sidney Clopton Lanier, a 19th-century poet and musician.
In 2019, Austin Independent School District renamed the school to Navarro Early College High School to better reflect the values and diversity of its community. The new name honors Juan P. Navarro, a 2007 graduate who served in the United States Army and was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.
These names represent two distinct eras in the school’s history—one rooted in tradition, and the other centered on community, service, and a shared commitment to the future.
The colors of Navarro Early College High School reflect both its history and evolving identity. During its years as Sidney Lanier High School, the school proudly wore Old Gold, Black, and White—colors that became a long-standing symbol of campus tradition and pride.
With the transition to Navarro in 2019, the school introduced Vegas Gold alongside Black and White. This subtle but meaningful shift honors the past while establishing a refreshed and unified identity for a new generation of students.
Today, Vegas Gold, Black, and White represent the spirit of Navarro—rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking and reflective of the community it serves.
The mascot of Navarro Early College High School is the Viking, a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination. This identity has remained a consistent source of pride for the campus, connecting generations of students through a shared spirit and tradition.
From its time as Sidney Lanier High School to the present day, the Viking has represented the perseverance and unity of the school community. Today, it continues to embody the courage and drive of Navarro students as they pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and beyond.
Since its opening in 1961 as Sidney Lanier High School, the campus has been led by a series of principals who have each helped shape its identity, culture, and academic direction.
Today, our principal continues that legacy by focusing on college readiness, student support, and maintaining a strong school culture rooted in pride, respect, and responsibility.
List of Principals
- Bob Mathis (1961–1976)
- Roger T. Wiley (1976–1985)
- Paul Turner (1985–1993)
- Dr. Ruth A. Kane (1993–1999)
- Darrel Baker (Interim) (1999)
- Patrick K. Patterson (1999–2004)
- Edmund R. Oropez (2004–2008)
- Katherine H. Ryan (2008–2014)
- Ryan R. Hopkins (2014-2019)
- Steven C. Covin (2019–Present)