J. W. Mitchell High School (also called Mitchell or JWMHS), is a public high school in Trinity, Florida, located next to Seven Springs Middle School. Its current principal is Jessica Schultz. It is one of the largest schools in the Pasco County Schools district. The school opened on August 14, 2000.

History

J. W. Mitchell High School opened at the start of the 2000–01 school year, designed to relieve overcrowding at River Ridge and Gulf High Schools. Its first graduating class was in 2002. The school is named for James Mitchell, a rancher, community leader and businessman. His wife Dorothy served on the school board for about 20 years.

The school gained nationwide publicity in 2019 when its science lab classes were the first in the US to use synthetic frogs for dissection, instead of preserved real frogs. The move eliminated student exposure to formaldehyde and overcomes ethical objections raised to the widespread killing and dissection of the amphibians.

State championships

During the 2009-2010 season, the Mustangs secured Pasco county's first ever soccer state championship. They beat Jacksonville Stanton 1-0, February 18, 2010.

During the 2011-2012 season, Mitchell's Hockey team won their first state championship. They beat Spanish River in Coral Springs, FL 10-2.

National championships

The Mustangs were Florida's first to win the USA Hockey High School Nationals for the 2015-16 school year. They most recently competed in the USA Hockey High School Nationals for a second time, during the 2021-22 school year, but did not end up victorious.

Band program

The J.W. Mitchell High School Band Program has over 200 members and features a diverse range of musical groups including the marching band, three concert bands, two jazz ensembles, two competitive color guards, and a percussion ensemble.

Former principals

• Ms. Tina Tiede (2000–2004)
• Mr. Ric Mellin (2004-2009)
• Mr. Jim Michaels (2009–2015)
• Ms. Jessica Schultz (2016-Present)

Notable alumni

• Tyler Clippard – professional baseball player
• Ryan Garton – professional baseball player
• Patrick Schuster – professional baseball player
• Nathan Smith – professional NHL player for the Arizona Coyotes