The school was a gift to the community in 1912 from the inventor and local industrialist Edward Lee McClain.

Athletics include and are currently limited to:[5] Other activities include concert, symphonic, marching, jazz, and pep bands; Hi-Y; McClain Youth in Action; National Honor Society; National Art Honor Society; Future Farmers of America; FBLA-PBL; FCCLA; Student Council; Junior/Senior Executive Committee; an independent television and radio program; Environthon Team; Annual Staff; concert, symphonic, and show choirs; and Theatrical/Drama and Chess Clubs.

There are approximately 200 paintings, murals, statues, and other forms of art adorning the hallways and classrooms.

These include a marble staircase, a statue of Lorenzo de' Medici, the Rookwood tile backed water fountains, Tiffany lamps and the Hiram Powers' marble bust of Ginevra,[6] with Ginevra being found only in this institution and in one other.

It has a pool that was constructed in 1923, making it the oldest high school pool still in use, multiple stories and buildings, a structured row of colonnades lining the buildings, two gyms, a trophy hall, a courtyard and clocktower, and a track and field, among other resources.