It is named after Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole, who was born on Fort Sam Houston.

As the boundaries of the district are coterminous with the boundaries of Fort Sam Houston, enrollment at Cole is open only to those pupils residing on the installation or nearby Camp Bullis, or transfer students whose parents work at either installation.

[2] Cole has been twice named a National Blue Ribbon School, in 1986-87 and again in 1990-91.

[3] For the 2022-2023 school year, the school was given an "A" by the Texas Education Agency, with distinctions for Academic Achievement in Science and Post-Secondary Readiness.

[4] The Robert G. Cole Cougars compete in the following sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Powerlifting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.