Julius L. Chambers High School, is a high school located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, and opened in 1997. The sports teams are known as the Cougars.
Besides providing the standard state-mandated high school curriculum, the school also has an engineering academy, which gives advanced training to students interested in engineering careers.
History The school was originally named after Zebulon Baird Vance (1830–1894), a Confederate military officer in the American Civil War, slave owner, twice Governor of North Carolina, and U.S. Senator. In June 2020, as a result of the George Floyd protests, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board officially stated that they had started the process to rename the school to remove the association with the Confederacy.
In October 2020, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School board decided to name the school after Julius L. Chambers (1936–2013), who was a famous lawyer, civil rights leader, and educator from North Carolina.Ma, Annie. (October 14, 2020). Introducing Julius L. Chambers High. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools drops Vance High's Confederate namesake. Retrieved December 6, 2020. The school officially changed its name in a ceremony on July 14, 2021.
Athletics Chambers High School is a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and is classified as a 8A school. It is a part of the Meck Power Six 7A/8A Conference.Bryant, Joel. (March 6, 2025). Here are the new NCHSAA conferences for 2025-29. highschoolot.com. Retrieved December 14, 2025. Their team name is the "Cougars." The school colors are navy blue and orange.
On May 8, 2021 (Covid Season), the football team won its second straight North Carolina 4AA (North Carolina's former highest classification for football) state championship, in its third straight appearance in the 4AA championship game.
Notable alumni KC Concepcion, NFL wide receiver DaBaby, rapperHein, Michael. (December 7, 2019). 'SNL' Musical Guest DaBaby: Everything to Know. popculture.com. Retrieved July 8, 2020. Myles Dorn, NFL safety E. J. Drayton, professional basketball playerE.J. Drayton - Men's Basketball - Charlotte Athletics. Retrieved July 8, 2020. Chavis Holmes, professional basketball playerChavis Holmes - 2008-09 - Men's Basketball - VMI. vmikeydets.com. Retrieved December 22, 2019. Travis Holmes, professional basketball playerTravis Holmes - 2008-09 - Men's Basketball - Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved July 8, 2020. James Pearce Jr., NFL linebackerWertz Jr., Langston. (December 10, 2021). ‘You’re an NFL talent.’ How Chambers High’s James Pearce evolved into an SEC recruit. The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved April 28, 2025. Paul Troth, American football coach"Paul Troth Prospect Info". 247Sports. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
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