Some facts about Polk County Schools in existence in 1883
F.P. Kennester was Superintendent of Schools.
There were four Black schools with 80 students including Antioch just south of Benton.
Salaries were $22.50 to $29.35
Capt. Julius Raht provided equipment for most schools.
There were 27 log schools
The Mine City Institute opened in Ducktown in 1866 thru 1900's
Benton Academy opened around 1870 until 1912.
Benton Academy combined the Ocoee Male and Female Academy's (tuition was $2.00 with an additional .75 cents per term for fuel and .05 cents for chalk.)
Hiwassee Seminary or Boyd's School was chartered in 1885 and continued until 1922
By 1890 there were 45 schools, 19 log buildings , 45 teachers and 1,592 students
Two year high schools were introduced at Hiwassee High in 1897, Isabella School in 1897 & Conasauga in 1899.
In 1909 the quarterly court voted to establish 4 public high schools.