Spot the Fiction: Iconic High Schools in Movies and TV Shows
Image: Saved by the Bell | YouTube
I grew up disliking Valley High School. I wanted to play for a coach like Norman Dale. And I thought you had to come from major wealth in order go to a school like West Beverly Hills.
I also thought every high school was real, but obviously that is not the case.
Below are 20 of the most memorable high schools in either a movie or television series. See if you can figure out which are real and which are fictional.
20 Memorable High Schools from Movies and TV: Real or Fictional?
1. Bayside – Saved by the Bell
Be-b-be-be-beat, go Bayside! The Southern California High School was home to Zack, Kelly, Slater, Screech, Lisa, Jessie and Mr. Belding. The Tigers seemed to always beat rival Valley in sports.
Is Bayside High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, Bayside and its rival Valley are purely the creation of executive producer Peter Engel.
2. Polk High School – Married with Children
Al “four touchdown” Bundy often referred back to his “glory days” at Polk High School. We’re still wondering if he really scored four touchdowns in the Chicago 1966 city championship, including the game winner.
Is Polk High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Al Bundy will always be a legend … but not in real life.
3. Dillon Panthers – Friday Night Lights (Television show)
Coach Taylor had a lot to deal with during his time at Dillon High in Texas. He lost his QB1, had a running back who ran his mouth and a star player who was an alcoholic. But the coach made the Panthers into a powerhouse before leaving to East Dillon. Always remember, ‘Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.’
Is Dillon High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Though the book is based on a real school, Dillon is made up.
4. T.C. Williams – Remember the Titans
Coach Herman Boone had the task of getting a racially divided team to play together at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. In the end, Julius Campbell, Sunshine Bass and Gerry Bertier came together as a team.
Is T.C. Williams High School real or fictional?
Real. Denzel Washington, Donald Faison, Kip Pardue and others were depicting real-life members of the T.C. Williams (Alexandria, Va.) squad.
5. Hickory – Hoosiers
At first, coach Norman Dale seemed a little tough on the kids at Hickory High School. But in the end, the little school led by Jimmy Chitwood took home the 1952 Indiana state title.
Is Hickory High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Though roughly based on the Milan (Ind.) team that won the 1954 state title, Hickory High does not exist.
6. West Beverly Hills – 90210
If you watched the original Beverly Hills 90210 or the remake, it sure seemed like you needed to come from wealth to go to West Beverly Hills High. Is it just me, or were you jealous of Steve Sanders’ corvette? Is West Beverly High real or fictional?
Fictional. There is a real school called Beverly Hills (Calif.), but its counterpart to the West is entirely fictitious.
7. T.L. Hanna – Radio
Coach Harold Jones allows Robert “Radio” Kennedy to help the football team out. Radio is still a member of the Yellowjacket program.
Is T.L. Hanna High School real or fictional?
Real. Cuba Gooding Jr. depicts real-life hero Robert “Radio” Kennedy from Hanna (Anderson, S.C.).
8. J.P. Wynne – Breaking Bad
Do you look at your chemistry teacher as if he may be Walter White? Between creating meth and dealing, White taught chemistry at J.P. Wynne High School.
Is J.P. Wynne High School real or fictional?
Fictional. J.P. Wynne, and its famed chemistry department, are totally fake.
9. West Canaan – Varsity Blues
There was a lot of pressure on Jonathan “Mox” Moxon as he had to step in at QB for injured Lance Harbor at West Canaan. Once Coach Bud Kilmer left the team, Mox, Billy Bob, Tweeder and the rest of the crew rolled to a victory. It’s not rare in today’s high school football to see five wide receivers, like in the clip above. Is West Canaan real or fictional?
Fictional. The school is fake, but James Van Der Beek’s emotion? 100 percent real.
10. Ridgemont – Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Have you ever had a teacher like Mr. Hand? Or met a student like Jeff Spicoli? Well things were good at Ridgemont High, especially after Charles Jefferson helped Ridgemont beat their rival Lincoln on the football field.
Is Ridgemont High real or fictional?
Fictional. The school is made up, but is based on writer Cameron Crowe’s real-life experiences as an undercover journalist at Clairemont (San Diego).
11. Beacontown Beavers – Teen Wolf
We haven’t heard or seen any high school players turning into wolves around the country lately, but the Beavers basketball team got a huge boost when Scott Howard unleashed Teen Wolf. Even when Howard wasn’t the wolf, he still was able to hit two free throws to win while locking up his relationship with Boof.
Is Beacontown High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Hate to say it, but Beacontown is as fake as Michael J. Fox’s wolf makeup.
12. Carlmont High School – Dangerous Minds
Admit it, when you hear “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio you start to sing along. I also think of how LouAnne Johnson changed the culture at Carlmont High School.
Is Carlmont High School real or fictional?
Real. Carlmont (Belmont, Calif.) and former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson are both very real.
13. Bel-Air Academy – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
I wonder what high School Will would have attended in West Philadelphia? Whatever high school it would have been, they missed out getting one heck of a basketball player in Will Smith. Bel-Air Academy got one of those lucky transfers. Proof of his skills in the video.
Is Bel-Air Academy real or fictional?
Fictional. Despite the snazzy uniforms and prestigious alums like Carlton Banks, the school is fake.
14. Permian – Friday Night Lights (Film)
The story of the 1988 Permian Panthers ended in a defeat to Dallas Carter in the state finals. I still wonder what would have happened to James “Boobie” Miles if he did not get injured. Football is a game of inches.
Is Permian High School real or fictional?
Real. The West Texas school Permian (Odessa) was the subject of H.G. Bissinger’s book of the same name.
15. William McKinley – Numerous
William McKinley High School is a popular fictional high school name. For the current TV viewers, you may recognize the name from “Glee.” It was also the high school in the television shows “The Wonder Years” and “Freaks and Geeks,” and the movie “Final Destination 3,” to name a few.
Is McKinley High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Though a popular school name in real life, McKinley seems to be the go-to name for fake high schools.
16. Eastside – Lean on Me
Eastside needed a major shakeup to get back on the right track. The school ended up hiring the right man in Principal Joe Louis Clark. Who remembers the Eastside school song?
Is Eastside High School real or fictional?
Real. Principal Joe Clark (perhaps with his trademark baseball bat) patrolled the halls of Eastside (Paterson, N.J.) in real life.
17. Rydell – Grease
I would have been one of the cool kids if I was a member of the T-Birds at Rydell High School. That means I would have known Danny Zuko. One of the classic movies of all time featured Rydell High.
Is Rydell High School real or fictional?
Fictional. Rydell and its musical campus are unfortunately fake.
18. Richmond – Coach Carter
The story is based on coach Ken Carter, who wanted to focus first on academic achievements before skills on the hardwood. Eventually Carter got his alma mater to focus on classwork while making a run in the playoffs. Coach Carter’s speeches would have me fired up.
Is Richmond High School real or fictional?
Real. Richmond (Calif.) and disciplinarian Carter are both real.
19. East Great Falls High School – American Pie
Who were you more like in high school, Jim, Kevin, Oz, Finch, or Stifler? The Class of 1999 will always be remembered at East Great Falls. And hey, we have got to see their 10-year reunion.
Is East Great Falls High School real or fictional?
Fictional. The Stiffmeister and company got into all sorts of trouble at a fake school.
20. Oakbridge High School – Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper
When Mark Cooper retired from the Golden State Warriors, he landed a job at Oakbridge High School. Although you would think Mr. Cooper would be the basketball coach, he only had a little run at coach as he was passed over for the job.
Is Oakbridge High School real or fictional?
Fictional. The students may have loved hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, but they were hangin’ at a fake high school.
2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais
Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.
The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.
“Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”
Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”
This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.
“I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.
The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.
The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.
Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.
The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.
The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.
The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.
The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.
For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.
For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper
DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper
Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.
Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.
“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”
A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.
Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.
Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?
Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals
The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.
Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.
Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29
1. Bay City Western (12-1)
Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.
2. De La Salle (12-2)
The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.
3. Northville (14-1)
The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.
4. Dakota (11-4)
After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.
5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)
The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.
6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)
With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.
7. Saline (15-1)
The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.
8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)
OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.
9. Romeo (16-2)
The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.
10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)
Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.
11. Hudsonville (12-2)
The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.
12. Jenison (8-2)
The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.
13. New Boston Huron (16-0)
The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.
14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)
The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.
15. West Bloomfield (8-3)
The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.
16. Dexter (13-6)
The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.
17. Woodhaven (15-5)
The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.
18. Rochester Adams (15-4)
Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.
19. Trenton (13-3)
The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.
20. Midland (6-2)
Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.
21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.
22. Detroit Western (13-5)
After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.
23. Grand Ledge (13-5)
The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.
24. Mattawan (8-2-3)
Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.
25. Allen Park (8-5)
The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.
