Alexander Mackenzie High School

Alexander Mackenzie High School
Location
300 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.

Richmond Hill
,
Ontario
,
L4C 3S3

Canada

43°52′12″N 79°26′50″W / 43.87000°N 79.44722°W / 43.87000; -79.44722
Information
Former nameDon Head Secondary School (1969–1992)
School typePublic school
Religious affiliation
Secular
Founded1969
School board
York Region District School Board
SuperintendentLois Agard
Area trustee
Simon Cui
Grades9 to 12
Enrolment1,397 (October 2025)
LanguageEnglish
Colours    Blue and Yellow
Team nameMustangs
Websitewww.yrdsb.ca/schools/alexandermackenzie.hs/Pages/default.aspx
Last updated: May 2026

Alexander Mackenzie High School (AMHS), formerly known as Don Head Secondary School, is a public secondary school in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, serving students in grades 9 through 12. The school is managed by the York Region District School Board.

The school opened in 1969 as Don Head Secondary School and was renamed Alexander Mackenzie High School in 1992, in honour of Major Addison Alexander Mackenzie, a Richmond Hill resident and philanthropist.

History

The original school building was constructed in 1969. Due to a construction strike, the building's opening was delayed until January 5, 1970, at which time there were 450 students. Prior to the building's completion, starting in September 1969, classes were held at the existing Richmond Hill High School. At the time of opening, some vocational courses were transferred from Stouffville District Secondary School.

In 1992, a new wing was added to accommodate both increased student population and changes to the school program. A second addition of 10 classrooms opened in the spring of 2002. The school has two gymnasiums, one larger than the other, as well as three music rooms: one for vocals, one for strings, and one for band.

In 2003, the Town of Richmond Hill contributed 10 "Character Matters" signs to the school as part of a community initiative. The event featured guest speaker Wendel Clark, the former Toronto Maple Leafs captain.

Specialized programs

ARTS Mackenzie

It was announced in October 2008 that AMHS would join Huron Heights S.S., Unionville High School, and Westmount Collegiate as one of four high schools in York Region to offer a specialized arts program. ARTS Mackenzie encompasses dance, theatre arts, music, and visual arts.

IB Diploma Programme

In 2017, AMHS joined Bayview S.S., G.W. Williams S.S., Maple H.S., and Milliken Mills H.S. as one of the York Region District School Board's IB Diploma Programme schools.

Notable alumni

See also

References

  1. ↑ "York Region District School Board – Enrolment Grade By School" (PDF). York Region District School Board. October 31, 2025. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Construction at a standstill at Don Head School". The Liberal. Vol. 92, no. 6. Richmond Hill, Ontario. August 7, 1969. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Don Head secondary school to open Jan. 5". The Tribune. Vol. 81, no. 31. Stouffville, Ontario. p. 11. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Don Head Secondary School". The Liberal. Vol. 92, no. 29. Richmond Hill, Ontario. January 15, 1970. p. 10. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Richmond Hill High School on Shifts - Don Head Still Far From Completion". The Liberal. Vol. 92, no. 9. Richmond Hill, Ontario. August 28, 1969. p. 1. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Notice to students of Richmond Hill High School and Don Head Secondary School". The Liberal. Vol. 92, no. 9. Richmond Hill, Ontario. August 28, 1969. p. 3. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Board to cancel vocational course at high school". The Tribune. Vol. 80, no. 40. Stouffville, Ontario. p. 1. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  8. ↑ "AMHS Character Signs". Town of Richmond Hill. Archived from the original on June 22, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2003.