Schools are a common feature of classic movies, and they have been used as backdrops for many iconic moments. These halls of knowledge are now the stuff of movie history. Be it a teenage defiance story, a moving family drama, or an epic battle, these schools have contributed to some of the most memorable movie scenes. Let’s see the top 10 schools featured in timeless films. 

1. “Grease” (1978) – Venice High School, Los Angeles, California

Venice High School in Los Angeles stepped into the shoes of Rydell High in Grease. With its iconic white columns and classy interior, the school became the backdrop to Danny and Sandy’s rollercoaster high-school love. From the pep rallies to the famous “Summer Nights” song, Venice High lent the film that authentic 1950s high school edge. 

Venice High School

2. “The Breakfast Club” (1985) – Maine North High School, Des Plaines, Illinois

Maine North High School, which shut down in 1981, became The Breakfast Club’s Shermer High. This John Hughes-directed cult movie takes place almost entirely in the school library, with five teenagers from different backgrounds serving detention. The film is about self-realization and camaraderie set against the backdrop of a mainstream US high school.

3. “American Pie” (1999) – Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Long Beach, California

Long Beach Polytechnic High School, more renowned for sports accomplishments, became East Great Falls High in American Pie. This spicy comedy is about a band of friends who try to deal with the ups and downs of teenage life. The school features in the entirety of the movie’s key, and often funny, moments. 

4. “Clueless” (1995) – Occidental College, Los Angeles, California

Clueless’s Bronson Alcott High actually happened to be filmed at the LA liberal arts college Occidental College. Its ivy-draped façade was a perfect backdrop for this high school comedy about Cher Horowitz, a wealthy, posh teen. Cher’s Beverly Hills privileged drama unfolded on the hilltop campus of Occidental. 

5. “Harry Potter” Series (2001-2011) – Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England

Hogwarts was created based on real-life locations such as Alnwick Castle. Alnwick is also one of the principal locations where the Harry Potter series shot exteriors of Hogwarts. From study scenes to grandiose duels, the castle’s tall arches and large estate were the perfect place for a magical setting. 

Key Features:

  • Filmings of Harry’s first broom flight were done there. 
  • A tour is available at Alnwick Castle, and Harry Potter fans will be happy to go. 
  • The staircases and classrooms of Hogwarts themselves were inspired almost entirely by sites at Oxford University and Durham Cathedral. 
  • The spirituality of Alnwick fits well with Hogwarts’ whimsical and perilous atmosphere. 

6. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) – Stadium High School, Tacoma, Washington

Stadium High School in Tacoma was the idyllic backdrop for Padua High in 10 Things I Hate About You. In its movie, a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the school’s grandeur was exploited. Stadium’s castle-like layout also offered the perfect backdrop for the teenage love drama and the final prom episode. 

7. “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) – Van Nuys High School, Van Nuys, California

Fast Times at Ridgemont High was filmed at Van Nuys High School in the San Fernando Valley. The film, which propelled the career of actor Sean Penn, shows the highs and lows of adolescence, from casual employment to crushes, against the backdrop of this regular school in LA. 

8. “Mean Girls” (2004) – Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mean Girls’ North Shore High School was shot at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute in Toronto. The high school hallways became the backdrop for Cady Heron’s traversal of the social system of high school, from the Plastics’ food hall to the craziness of a hysterical “burn book” confrontation. 

9. “Legally Blonde” (2001) – Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

While Legally Blonde was shot largely at the University of Southern California (USC) for logistical convenience, the plot concerns Harvard Law School. From flamboyant sorority girl to law-school grad, Elle Woods has inspired college students for decades. The grandeur of Harvard’s ivy-lined walls and halls brought a degree of prestige and academic challenge to Elle’s life-changing experience. 

10. “Glee” (2009-2015) – Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School, Long Beach, California

And though Glee was set at the fictional William McKinley High School, most of the high school action was filmed at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School in Long Beach. It was a high school that hosted many concerts, dramatic teenage moments, and fun-loving stand-ups. From show choir to personal transformation, McKinley High captured the fun and drama of high school. 

Having read this list, you may be tempted to pop some corn and revisit these heart-warming classics. Before you do so, make sure all of your assignments are done. If you need some help with them, contact UKWritings. A skilled assignment writer will take over your academic load, allowing you to start that movie marathon right now!

Drama Beyond the Classroom

Not only have the schools on our list educated their pupils, but they’ve also left their footprints in film history. Each of them was featured in movie scenes that were seen millions of times. These institutions have been the backdrop to our favorite movies, inspiring and teaching us about life at and beyond school. So, next time you catch one of these movies, pay extra attention to the setting and enjoy the academic realness behind the carefully set-up movie shots.

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