The school was constructed from a combined authorization for building, equipment, grounds and landscaping of $3,640,000, and came in under budget.

The school quickly became known for both its high percentage of students entering college as well as for having a superior sports program, participating as the Elwood Knights in the Suffolk County League B IV.

The school has had numerous athletes named as All county and All State in baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, soccer, volleyball and wrestling.

[9] In 2011, the football team won its second straight Long Island Class IV Championship by defeating Roosevelt High School.

[12] The John Glenn girls' volleyball team has achieved outstanding success over the past 2 decades.

Each year, members of the senior class achieve SAT scores that rank above the national and state averages.

Graduating classes have included a number of National Merit Scholarship finalists, semifinalists, and commended scholars.

In addition, 87 percent of the class of 2003 graduated with a New York State Regents diploma, one of the highest percentages on Long Island.

Ninety percent of the graduating class continued their education, attending colleges, universities, and technical schools.