History
Roosevelt High School: A Legacy of Pride and Achievement
Founded in 1922 and named for the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School is a cornerstone of the Boyle Heights community in East Los Angeles. Over the past century, Roosevelt has grown into a vibrant center for academic achievement, cultural pride, and community involvement. Known for its spirited rivalry with Garfield High School, showcased annually in the East LA Classic, Roosevelt High has produced generations of leaders, athletes, artists, and activists.
In 2024-2025, our enrollment is 1,700, not including the Math, Science and Technology Magnet Technology Academy (MSTMA), which is a separate magnet school on the campus. Previously Roosevelt was one of the largest high schools in the country. In 2008, the school started to be managed by the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.
Roosevelt is deeply rooted in social justice and educational equity, serving a diverse student body and preparing students for college, careers, and civic engagement. Our school continues to build on its legacy, offering rigorous academics, innovative programs, and a commitment to fostering resilience and success for all students.
As we look toward the future, Roosevelt remains dedicated to empowering our students to achieve greatness and continue shaping the world around them.
Our school colors are cardinal red, gold, and blue. The mascot is Teddy the Bear, and our sport teams are known as the Rough Riders. The school’s motto is “Don’t flinch, don’t foul, hit the line hard!” a Theodore Roosevelt quote.
Roosevelt High School is part of the Boyle Heights Zone of Choice, which also includes Mendez High School
THE EAST LA CLASSIC:
The East L.A. Classic is the homecoming game for Roosevelt High School and Garfield High School. The Classic has taken place since a few years after the opening of the two schools, with the exception of the Depression and World War II. The Classic brings out alumni from all parts of the world, usually fielding 20,000 people per game and has been held at the East Los Angeles College at the Weingart Stadium, although it has been held at the The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and will take place at SoFi Stadium on October 25, 2024.