The school colors of gray and red were chosen by the first student council and the name "falcons" was selected because it was the mascot of the newly established U.S. Air Force Academy.

Patrons suggested that until the renovations of 2011, many people struggled to identify it as a school when they drove by as it looked much like a factory that one would see in an industrial area.

[citation needed] A measure was put on the ballot for a new high school to be built at Cassell Park which was located in southwest Independence.

Patrons suggested that this caused a great deal of frustration and planted the seeds for animosity between the community and the Kansas City School District.

[citation needed] At an attempt to compete with urban sprawl, the KCSD began busing students to Van Horn from all parts of Kansas City.

[citation needed] Time magazine conducted a story in which they called it one of America's "Dropout Factories.

In addition to locker rooms and a new concession stand, this structure also provided a mezzanine suitable for the school's wrestling program.