It was the second oldest of three high schools in the Southfield Public Schools district, the oldest being Southfield High School , and the youngest being University High School Academy. Southfield-Lathrup High School was well known for its extensive and well-supported music program. Adding a Freshman class in each of the following two school years, β69 and β70, it graduated its first Senior class in Southfield-Lathrup High School closed at the end of the school year, and its students were divided between Southfield High School and University High School Academy, which moved into Lathrup's campus.
Beginning with the β school year, a dress code was instituted at the high school level, finalizing the process of bringing all of the Southfield Public Schools district under a dress code policy.
All members of the board supported the measure and voted aye, except for Trustee Karen Miller. Miller voted no because she didn't feel that there was enough input from students in the development of the dress code.
The campus consists of the main building, a soccer field, a football field, and various parking lots. Students park in the west parking lot. The building is divided into several distinct zones called "houses".
Four two-story wings contain most of the school's class rooms. Oddly, the second floors of these wings are not attached to each other. A and B wings are located toward the front of the school, facing Twelve Mile Road.
