Lathrop serves the central part of the Fairbanks area, including downtown[citation needed] and the Fort Wainwright Army Post.

[citation needed] In fall 1976, West Valley High School was opened, thus alleviating the overcrowding dilemma.

In addition to many sports commonly found in other US high schools, Lathrop sponsors a cross-country skiing team.

The girls' basketball team won the 4A State Championship in 1990 when the tournament was held at Patty Center on the UAF Campus.

The Lathrop Academic Decathlon team has also taken the state title 14 out of the past 23 years and has placed 3rd in Division 2 at the national competition.