Established in 1889, Sam Houston operates the oldest high school newspaper in Texas, the Aegis.

Additionally, the school boasts the world's first female-only military drill squad initially known as the Black Battalion but now called the Tigerettes.

[4] Sam Houston has Texas' oldest high school newspaper, the Aegis, started in 1889.

In addition, the world's first girls' military drill squad (formerly known as the Black Battalion, but now called the Tigerettes) originated at the school.

Lynna Kay Shuffield, the president of the chapter, wrote a historical narrative about the school and its former location in Downtown.

[citation needed] The Sam Houston Tiger football team holds the distinction of having both the longest active and all time district game losing streak in the entire state of Texas with 100 consecutive losses in district play as of 2022.

Because of this problem, there were movements to have the state or another organization take over the schools for a period so the test scores will be at acceptable levels.

[15] In 2008 the Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott ordered the closure of SHHS; the Houston Chronicle said that HISD would likely replace 75% of the teachers and change the name of the school.

[16] The campus housed Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center beginning 2010–2012 and a ninth grade academy.

[17] In 2007, an Associated Press/Johns Hopkins University study referred to Sam Houston as a "dropout factory" where at least 40% of the entering freshman class does not make it to their senior year.

[20][21] Some small sections of unincorporated Harris County are zoned to Sam Houston High School.