Sam Barlow High School opened in September 1968 in its present location at 302nd Street and Lusted Road, east of Gresham, Oregon.

[5] On November 23, 2009, two students discussed plans for a school shooting at Barlow High on Myspace.

Of 419 students, 315 graduated, 74 dropped out, ten received a modified diploma, and 20 were still in high school the following year.

Of 400 students, 340 graduated, 40 dropped out, six received a modified diploma, and 13 were still in high school the following year.

[9] Barlow's students have been filling AP classes and passing AP exams at such a high rate that the College Board named the Gresham-Barlow School District to its fourth-annual Advanced Placement District Honor Roll.