CHILLICOTHE HIGH SCHOOLS PAST TO THE PRESENT 150 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Photos and information courtesy of Ross County Historical Society

On October 4, 1850 FREE public education under the current system commenced for the common schools of Chillicothe following the 1849 School Law enacted by the state legislature. Chillicothe was divided into school districts with the logical names of Eastern, Western, and Central. Currently the city schools has 5 elementary schools, Allen, Hopewell, Tiffin, McArthur, Central and Worthington; two junior highs, Mt. Logan and J.A. Smith; and one high school - on Yoctangee Blvd. In 1889 a state law was enacted requiring school attendance until the age of 16. In 1921 this was changed to require school attendance until age 18. It was not until 1859 that the high school graduated its first class. There were three graduates: Maria McKell, Margaret McKell, and Olivia Allston.

1870 - 1952 - Eastern School (note the circular fire escape) was located on the north side of Main St. between Sugar and Mosher St at the railroad tracks. Because of the dangerous location, a new Eastern was built on Bridge St. between Main and Second St.


1870 -Western School building erected at the southeast corner of Cherry and Chestnut St. rebuilt in 1912, today it is used by the Board of Education and as an early childhood education preschool

 

1901 to 1934- West fifth Street School building served as the high school, used as a junior high school from 1932-1970, and razed in 1973.

1934 - 1963 - Arch and Vine Streets was the next location for the High School. It is now known as J. A. Smith Middle School.

 

1853 - Central High School was first high school


1963 to present - Yoctangee Parkway became the home of the "new" Chillicothe High School

 

1927 - Mt. Logan School Junior High School, located on E. Main St. razed and replaced in 1975

1870 - Southern School building erected at the corner of Walnut and Seventh St. for the education of African-American students. It remained in use until 1956.