The history of Galena Park High School dates back to 1928, when the school’s name was changed from Clinton

High School to Galena Park High School. This change coincided with the incorporation of the town of Clinton as the city of Galena Park, named after the Galena Oil Company. Mr. O. E. Lunsford served as the first principal from 1928 until 1930. In 1929, the school moved into its first permanent building, located on the site of the current Galena Park Middle School. This building was later converted into Galena Park Junior High before being demolished in 1992 to make way for the current Galena Park Middle School. The Galena Park Independent School District (GPISD) was established in 1930, and Mr. A. T. Johnson served as principal of Galena Park High School from 1930 to 1933. Mr. Don Slocomb took over as principal in 1933 and held the position until 1952. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Harold Dement served as acting principal while Mr. Slocomb was on active duty. In 1946, the school yearbook, titled "The Jacket," was published on a permanent basis for the first time. In March 1950, Galena Park High School moved to its current location on Keene Street. Mr. John W. Hoke became the longest-serving principal, holding the position from 1952 until 1977. In 1953, the school added a 1,500-seat auditorium (later named Johnnie Rountree Auditorium) along with wings for the band and choir. Additionally, a new north wing was constructed in 1956, which included a new gymnasium and more classroom space.

In 1962, the Yellowjacket football team had an impressive playoff run but faced a narrow loss in the state championship game against Wichita Falls, finishing 21-14. In 1964, a new library was added, which provided additional classroom space and resources for books. The following year, in 1965, the Yellowjackets once again reached the state football championship, where they fought hard but ultimately lost to Garland with a score of 26-21.

The Band of Gold also had the honor of performing on the tarmac of Houston Intercontinental Airport for President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In 1982, the Jacketeer dance team performed at the Capitol building in Austin. Country singer Mickey Gilley, known for his role in Urban Cowboy, performed at Galena Park High School (GPHS) during a benefit for the junior class. At that time, Mr. Gilley's son was a student at GPHS.

In 1990, Mr. Bill Burnett became the principal of GPHS and served until 1993, when Mr. George Banda took over. In 1994, a major renovation of the school included the addition of a new library, front office, science wing, and cafeteria.

In 1998, Mr. Arnold Ramirez assumed the role of principal and held the position until 2000, when he moved into the Galena Park Independent School District (GPISD) administration.

In 2000, GPHS welcomed its first female principal, Mrs. Marsha Masi, who oversaw the remodeling of the school, completed in 2004. During this construction, the Arthur C. Lilly Center, the Johnnie Rountree Fine Arts Center, and a new field house at Dement Field were all built, giving the entire school a facelift that included new dining areas and renovations to all three gymnasiums. That year, the Jackets also posted a perfect 10-0 regular-season record, and in 2006, the Lady Jackets volleyball team followed suit with an undefeated regular season.

In 2007, GPHS welcomed Mr. Steven Kinney, who was previously from Tice Elementary School, as the new principal. That year, the GPHS robotics team, Team Kaos, advanced to the national championships in Atlanta after winning the Chairman's Award in Kansas City and being named the Lone Star Regional Champions. Additionally, the field surface at Dement Field was upgraded to FieldTurf to match GPISD Stadium.

In 2009, the Band of Gold reached the UIL State Marching Band competition, finishing among the top bands in the state after earning Division I ratings at region and area band competitions.

The start of the new decade in 2010 also brought a new principal, Mr. Tony Gardea, an alumnus from the class of 1982.

In 2018, Galena Park High School welcomed a new principal, Ms. Kimberly Martin, who is also a GPHS alum.