Onlookers to the fire witnessed catastrophic failure of the roof and flames estimated at 100 feet high.

Parents from outside the district had paid extra money to send their students to the school, which was well known for its academic excellence.

At the time of the fire, plans were already underway to build a new school on the property next to the athletic stadium.

The word "joint" was used because surrounding townships who send students here had helped pay for the construction.

Rising enrollment once again outpaced building capacity and West Chester East High School was built.

The Henderson Academic Team won the 2011 and 2012[9] Pennsylvania State Championship in a tournament held at the capital building in Harrisburg.

In September 2020, Principal Jason Sherlock announced that the school would be distancing its athletic imagery away from discredited associations with Native American culture echoing a broader movement nationwide.