The Second World War altered America's entire societal fabric. With young men preparing to ship overseas, women took over crucial jobs across previously prohibited industries, and the nation's high schools adapted to serve its students' new needs.
Even after the war, things never quite returned to the status quo, for the better.
Here are 24 photos of what it looked like to go to high school in the 1940s around World War II.
1
In Between Classes
Woodrow Wilson High School, Washington DC, 1943.
2
Guidance Counselor
Working with a student in the late 1940s.
3
Running for School Office
Girls in the early 1940s.
4
Prom
Getting ready for the dance in the 1940s.
5
High School Dance
Ohio, 1941.
6
Nearing Graduation
High schoolers doing extra math to prepare for service.
7
Graduating
With flowers in the 1940s.
8
Graduation Photo
A student in 1944.
9
Cheerleaders
Pennsylvania, 1941.
10
Science Class
A segregated school in Washington DC, 1942.
11
Colorado Granada Relocation Center Class
Learning “wood properties,” 1945.
12
Drama Club
A rehearsal in the late 1940s.
13
Class Change
Inglewood High School, California, 1947.
14
Pool Recreation
Hayward, California, 1940.
15
Editorial Meeting
Working on the student paper at Banneker Junior High, 1942.
16
Jr High Basketball Team
Allentown, 1941.
17
Posture Class
Part of a 1940s curriculum for girls.
18
Physics Class
Colorado Granada Relocation Center.
19
High School Play
A high-energy scene in the 1940s.
20
Selling War Stamps
A DC segregated school, 1942.
21
High School Athletes
Friends in 1946.
22
Football Coaching Staff
Allentown High School, 1943.
23
Baseball Game
Picture Butte School, 1944.
24
Happy Pose
A high school beauty pageant winner.
