The campus is located between the historic River Park and Sunnymede neighborhoods in South Bend, Indiana.

It has been the site of many historical events and performers such as the premiere screening of Knute Rockne, All American, concerts by Kate Smith, Ezio Pinza and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a taping of The Fred Waring Show and a speech by John Wooden.

Selected scenes from the movie Rudy were filmed in John Adams High School.

In 2012, the basketball team won a sectional title and defeated the Lake Central Indians in the regional semifinals.

Along the way they defeated Penn, Mishawaka Marian, and New Haven, all teams who had players committed to play basketball at Notre Dame.

[2] Under the direction of Jaesung Lee (formerly Kathleen Kohn), the orchestra sends ensembles and soloists to compete at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition, earning several golds each year.

The John Adams High School band is currently under the direction of Kevin Graham as Head Director and Emily Pantelleria as Assistant Director[2] The John Adams High School Marching Eagles performed at Open Class ISSMA regionals in 1996, 2006-2010.

The Marching Eagles.performed at Walt Disney World Magic Music Days in Orlando, Florida for spring break in 1998, 2000, and 2005.

[8] Budget cuts proposed in early 2010 by the South Bend Community School Corporation[9] that would have raised the cost to families of some IB testing fees were reduced or eliminated in March 2010.