Trimble County High School was founded in 1876. In 1883 the term was 40 weeks. Tuition for the high school was $30.00 and boarding was provided on Monday-Friday for a fee of $80.[3]
In 1903, Bedford High School was established, but later became part of TCHS.[4] In 1952 Milton High School, whose first graduating class was in 1923,[5] was consolidated into Trimble County High School.[6]
In 2016 the high school, which occupied a building originally constructed as Bedford Elementary in 1962, was rated the worst high school facility in the state by the Parson's Report. Enrollment had been trending downward for several years, resulting in a reduced amount of SEEK funding by the state of Kentucky.[7]
As of 1920, 16 units were required for graduation. The curriculum included 31 classes including Algebra, Mediaeval History, Botany, English, Physics, and Business.[8]
In 2015, it was proposed to split the middle school and high school into separate locations. Plans were made to create a 20-person committee of constituents, including parents, administrators, teachers and other staffs to investigate options.[9]
In 2022, the Trimble County Board of Education finalized plans to fund an $8 million expansion of the school, and approved a final bid to build the project. A $6 million bond issue was approved, and was not expected to cause a tax increase.[10]
In 2021, 2022, and 2023, TCHS won state championships in the Student Technology Leadership Program.[11] They have gone on to compete at the national level.[12][13]
Demographics
As of the 2021–2022 school year, the school had an enrollment in grades 7-12 of 558. Of these, 3 were Asian, 2 were Black, 23 were Hispanic, 1 was Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 520 were White, and 9 were of two or more races. 261, or 47% were eligible for free lunches.[14]
Athletics
The school has won the state championship in a Cross Country in 1954.[15] After the consolidation of Milton and Bedford schools the sports teams used the name Blue Demons. The colors, borrowed from the Blue Demons of Bedford, were blue and white. The Milton Panthers had worn black and gold. The new school chose blue and gold from these. In January 1955, the student body voted Raiders as the school mascot, after Morgan's Raiders, a Confederate Army outfit.[6] In 2018, the school cancelled the football season due to a lack of student interest.[16][17]
^"The sixth annual session of the Trimble High School will begin August 27, 1883". Milton Free Press. November 15, 1883. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Northern Kentucky Views. One half of all fees cash, or its equivalent in advance, and a note for the remainder, due five months from the beginning of school. Scholars will be charged from the time they enter school to end of session and no deductions made for absence, or withdrawal, unless in the case of protracted sickness.
^Caudillo, Crystal (April 28, 2016). "Trimble Co. LPC gets up-close look at needs of 47-year-old high school, hears from financial consultants; forum brings more questions". The Trimble Banner. Bedford, Kentucky. Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via Kentucky School Boards Association. The high school should have been renovated at the 30-year mark and according to the Parson's Report is ranked the 22nd in the state of Kentucky. The original portion of the present Trimble County High School was built as the Bedford Elementary School in 1962, the majority portion of the present structure was completed in 1969, and an addition in 1972 and a final addition in 1974. However, 1-21 on the list are not high schools. Trimble County High School is actually the 1st high school in urgent need. The General Assembly grants funds for renovation or rebuilding of schools that fall into this category. The school next in order is Hart County.
^"Course of Study, 1920". Northern Kentucky Views. 1920. Retrieved October 4, 2023. Recognizing the fact that the ultimate aim of the High School is the proper development of those natural facilities of the student by the promotion of a liberal and practical education, that they may secure the highest enjoyment and benefit from their uses in the future, the following subjects have been offered in the Trimble County High School. The completion of these subjects entitles the graduate to recognized standing in any college of university in the state, as having completed the required work in an accredited four-year high school. Students will be admitted to the High School, upon completion of the eighth grade, or the holding of a county diploma
^"Trimble County Schools to review consolidation plan, despite parents' opposition". WDRB. BLOX Digital (published December 16, 2015). June 7, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023. "We're getting close to a point where having the buildings open that we are running may lead to a point where we're wasting money by having those facilities open," said Miracle.
^Sara, Finley (May 12, 2023). "Three-peat!". The Trimble Banner. Bedford, Kentucky: BLOX Digital. Retrieved October 4, 2023. "To be three-time state champions … is amazing for such a small group from a small rural community," STLP coordinator Melissa Burkhardt noted. With over 13,000 students competing at the state championship the students in Trimble County won best project for grades 9 through 12.
