In addition to serving as the educational institution for the area's school population, it is also the center for many community activities.

For a number of years, Glen Burnie High School served the entire northern end of Anne Arundel County.

Land located on Baltimore and Annapolis Boulevard, on the outskirts of the town of Glen Burnie, was purchased by the Anne Arundel County Board of Education from Curtis Creek Mining and Manufacturing Company.

The Vocational Education building was completed in 1948 at a cost of $987,000 and provided classroom space and instruction areas for the Trades.

The present Business Education building was opened as Glen Burnie Junior High School in 1948.

Cost of the building and equipment was $1,036,667 and included administrative, guidance, and supervisory offices plus additional classrooms.

In 1976, the Media building was constructed as one part of the complete renovation of Glen Burnie Senior High School.

[citation needed] In 2010, Glen Burnie High School became home to the STEM/BMAH Magnet Program, which according to the AACPS website, "invites students who are highly motivated and academically eligible to study and explore career opportunities across the spectrum of healthcare professions, engineering, and health information technology systems.

Later principals were: James McGowan (1981–1986), Midgie Sledge (1986–1994), Oliver Wittig (1994–1996), David Hill (1996–2003), and Sam Salamy (2003–2008).