Following the conclusion of
World War II, the population in the areas of West, East Hempstead,
Roosevelt, and
East Meadow had a significant rise. In response to this, the West Hempstead area sought funding for an educational facility, facing initial setbacks in a failed vote. Considerations for temporary classrooms, and multiple site options occurred before the community approved the site on Gustke-Linder in a subsequent vote. Construction commenced on March 17, 1952, but faced minor delays due to a fire. The West Hempstead High School officially opened its doors on September 8, 1953. Originally, students in the area were enrolled at the neighboring,
Hempstead High School, but with the creation of a closer school, many students transferred locations. The school's
ram mascot, and black-and-gold color scheme were chosen by students, prior to the opening of the district. From circa 1968 to 2008, the
Island Park Union Free School District sent high school students only to West Hempstead High. From circa 2008 to 2018, people living in the Island Park district could select between West Hempstead High and
Long Beach High School for high school education. In 2018 the Island Park school district stopped paying for Island Park residents to have the West Hempstead choice, and this was effective the 2019-2020 school year. ==Footnotes==