The people in the northern part of Greene County have long been interested in securing advantages of secondary education for their children. The first high school in the area was founded at Baileyton in 1872 as Oakland School and, in 1882, became Oakland Seminary. In March 1882, the people of the Ottway community organized and built their high school, calling it Ottway. A graduate from Ottway college could receive either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. Because of the difficulty in travel, almost all of the students lived in the dormitories provided by the schools or in private homes. The curricula of these early schools were rich with opportunities for young people to have training in education, music, dramatics, art and languages. As years passed, the schools continued to serve the children of the section, gradually growing and changing to meet the needs of the time. Both schools, which were originally frame structures, now have modern brick buildings. The Baileyton building was built in 1938. Ottway's building was constructed around 1920. Both buildings have had additions as necessary since the original buildings were erected.
Late in the school year of 1961-62, the members of the Board of Education who represented the Baileyton and Ottway High Schools and the superintendent met with patrons of both schools in a series of community meetings to discuss the possibility of consolidation. All patrons seemed to favor the new school, but there was disagreement as to its location. A spot chart showing the residences of students in the area was prepared for a committee of state officials who decided upon the site.
When school began in the fall of 1962, North Greene High School was still far from completion. Students from both schools attended classes at the Baileyton school building in very crowded circumstances for several weeks. The move to the consolidated building was made on December 7, 1962, one week before Christmas holidays.
Since the move, there has been a steady growth in the school. In December, 1963, the highlight of our history, acceptance into the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, was realized. In the years since accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the school has been fortunate in having faculty and staff of the highest caliber who are well-trained and dedicated, and it has continued to expand its curriculum. Through the years, North Greene graduates have distinguished themselves in many fields of endeavor becoming doctors, lawyers, college professors, businessmen and women, teachers, military officers, police officers, secretaries, bankers, engineers, architects, and radiologists, to name just a few.
