[2] Holmes High School was established in 1964 and is known for its circular architecture, in which several buildings are completely cylindrical.

In the 2007–2008 school year, The Husky Band received a Division 1 at UIL during marching season for their performance "Sketches of Spain.

[citation needed] Members of the Holmes fine-arts programs have also been selected to participate in the Texas Music Educators Association's (TMEA) All-State ensembles.

Holmes then advanced to the 1994 United States Academic Decathlon National competition, finishing third overall, behind William Howard Taft High School of Woodland Hills, California and Mountain View High School of Mesa, Arizona.

[3] Varsity student Diana Johnston, who was part of the Holmes Academic Decathlon team which won the State Championship in 1994 as stated above, would later go on to coach the Northside Health Careers High School Academic Decathlon team beginning the 2018–2019 school year.

In the 2020–2021 school year, Dr. Diana Johnston led the HCHS Academic Decathlon Team to Nationals, where they won 1st place in the Medium School Online Division (the first Texas team to ever place in the online competition), 4th overall in competition, and other accolades.

[25] Notable alumni include Darold Williamson (class of 2001; men's track and field gold medalist and anchor leg, 2004 Summer Olympics, 1,600-meter relay).