Brainerd High School History
First came Brainerd Mission the first educational center in the Brainerd area. Set up by Christian missionaries, the mission offered education and religious development to the Cherokee Indians of the surrounding countryside. Settlers found Brainerd to be a pleasing location and the community developed with the town of Chattanooga. From the very beginning, Brainerd has been one of the fastest growing areas of the city. The growing population of Brainerd gave rise to talk of a community high school. This became a certainty and on February 26, 1959, the contract was awarded. On April 30, 1959, ground-breaking ceremonies were held for the Chattanooga Public School System’s first high school in eight years. Dreams become reality when Brainerd opened in the fall of 1960, 570 students enrolled, and Brainerd was on its way toward developing into Chattanooga’s finest high school. Dr. George Mathis served as Brainerd’s first principal. In his opening address to Brainerd High School’s first group of students, Dr. Mathis said, “Brainerd Senior High must reflect the best efforts of our faculty, parents, pupils, and community if we are to be successful.”
Brainerd High was the site of an important Supreme Court decision regarding the use of racially-charged symbols, including the display of Confederate flag and the playing of “Dixie” as the school pep song. A 1971 ruling affirmed the right of the school principal to prohibit such symbols, given the racial turbulence at the school in the previous two years. Bans on Confederate symbols in public schools continue to rest on this precedent today.
Black students at Brainerd High School protested to removed confederate symbols from their school from 1969 to 1971. Their movement was supported by the local black power organization, the Black Knights (later the Chattanooga chapter of the Black Panther Party). They were eventually successful in changing their school mascot to the black panther in 1981.
https://www.chattanoogan.com/2019/10/11/397818/John-Shearer-The-Brainerd-High-Crisis.aspx
https://www.chattanoogan.com/2009/10/20/161217/Unrest-At-Brainerd-High-40-Years-Ago.aspx
Welcome to Brainerd High School: A Legacy of Growth, Resilience, and Progress
Brainerd High School’s history is deeply rooted in the vibrant and evolving story of the Brainerd community and Chattanooga. From its early beginnings as Brainerd Mission to its establishment as a cornerstone of public education, the school has reflected the values of inclusion, determination, and innovation.
Early Foundations: Brainerd Mission
The story of education in Brainerd begins with Brainerd Mission, established by Christian missionaries to serve the Cherokee Indians of the surrounding countryside. The mission provided both educational opportunities and religious instruction, laying the groundwork for a community that valued learning and development. As settlers arrived, Brainerd blossomed into a thriving area within Chattanooga, quickly becoming one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
The Birth of Brainerd High School
As Brainerd’s population expanded, the need for a community high school became evident. This vision took shape on February 26, 1959, when plans for the Chattanooga Public School System’s first high school in eight years were finalized. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on April 30, 1959, and by the fall of 1960, Brainerd High School opened its doors to 570 students. Under the leadership of Dr. George Mathis, the school embarked on a journey to deliver high-quality education and become a pillar of the community. In his opening address, Dr. Mathis set the tone for the school’s future: “Brainerd Senior High must reflect the best efforts of our faculty, parents, pupils, and community if we are to be successful.”
A Milestone in Civil Rights
Brainerd High School holds a significant place in the history of civil rights and educational equity. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Black students and community leaders advocated for the removal of racially charged Confederate symbols, such as the Confederate flag and the playing of “Dixie” as the school pep song. The movement, supported by the Black Knights (later the Chattanooga chapter of the Black Panther Party), gained national attention.
In 1971, a Supreme Court ruling affirmed the right of the school principal to prohibit the display of these symbols, citing the racial turbulence at the school in the preceding years. This landmark decision continues to influence policies on racial equity in schools nationwide. By 1981, the students’ efforts culminated in the adoption of the Black Panther as the school mascot, symbolizing empowerment and unity.
A Vision for Excellence
Today, Brainerd High School remains a dynamic institution committed to academic achievement, cultural understanding, and community engagement. Our history is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the students, educators, and families who have shaped our school into what it is today. We honor this legacy as we prepare students to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.
Stay Connected
Explore our journey through past and present accomplishments:
- The Legacy of Leadership: Highlighting Dr. George Mathis and other pioneering educators who have shaped Brainerd High’s identity.
- A Symbol of Change: The story of the Black Panther mascot and its representation of progress.
- Achievements in Action: Celebrating Brainerd High’s contributions to academics, arts, and community initiatives.
Join us as we continue to build on our rich history and forge a future of excellence.
