[5] In 1891, a new and larger dedicated school building with an auditorium, cafeteria and laboratories was opened at E. 12th and Court, directly adjacent to the Iowa State Capitol grounds.

[2] At inception, in addition to the high school it housed all the primary students from Bryant and Webster, as well as the offices of the Board of Education and Superintendent.

The current main building of East High School at E. 13th and Walker St. was constructed in 1910-1911 at a cost of $400,000 to a design by architects Bird and Rawson.

The main building has received a number of additions, such that it is now surrounded on three sides by newer construction, leaving only the original West-facing neo-classical facade fully exposed (see infobox photo).

On March 7, 2022, it was reported that a school shooting had occurred on the property, killing 15 year old Jose David Lopez and hospitalizing two female students.

While the main East High is one large building, it consists of several distinct areas built at different times.

Some facilities, including the cafeteria, offices, band room, and student center have been relocated more than once, and the East wing was substantially altered in the large 2006 renovation.

Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, freshman classes were moved to the Walker Annex, located one block away from the main campus.

The school district requires that students take a number of core academic courses, if they wish to graduate and receive a diploma.

However, the school compels Freshman and Sophomore students to schedule a full day of classes, to ensure satisfaction with district graduation requirements.