It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the Wisconsin Department of Public Education.

In 2010, the team defeated De Pere High School, and went to the state tournament for the first time since 1996.

Appleton East also had a teams in the semifinals and the quarterfinals of the WDCA state tournament in the 2012–2013 season.

The Appleton East DECA Chapter is responsible for beginning the Big Apple Classic in November 2009.

The Classic is an annual two-day basketball charity event held over Thanksgiving break.