The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District was founded on June 6, 1893.

The administration building and Ethel Pope Auditorium were connected and featured a bell tower.

Dave Boyd Field has also been renovated with a new synthetic turf and track, home stands and press box.

On May 28, 2016, presidential candidate Bernie Sanders held a campaign rally on campus at Dave Boyd Field.

Previously, SMHS was a long-time member of the CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) and the Los Padres League.