Alvin C. York Institute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alvin C. York Institute |
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701 North Main Street
, 38556
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| Information | |
| School type | State Public high school |
| Motto | Prepare and Excel |
| Established | 1926 |
| Founder | Alvin C. York |
| Oversight | Tennessee Department of Education |
| Director | John Bush |
| Principal | Abbi Dunford |
| Staff | 36.48 (FTE) |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 492 (2022-2023) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 13.49 |
| Hours in school day | 7 |
| Campus | Rural |
| Campus size | 400 acres (160 ha) |
| Color(s) | Purple Gold |
| Slogan | Home of the Dragons |
| Mascot | Dragon |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| USNWR ranking | #105 |
| Newspaper | Pine Needles |
| Yearbook | Mountaineer |
| Dedication: | To the end that my people of Pall Mall and of Fentress County and the boys and girls of this mountainous section may enjoy the liberating influences and educational advantages which were denied me, I dedicate this institution and my life to its perpetuation, and seek from the American people support in keeping with the great need. -- Sgt. Alvin C. York |
| Website | https://www.yaidragons.com/ |
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Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute Historic District
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The older section of York Institute
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Area | 8 acres (3.2 ha) |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Fentress County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001378 |
| Added to NRHP | September 20, 1991 |
Alvin C. York Institute, also known as York Institute, is a public high school in Jamestown, Tennessee. It was started as a private farming school in 1926 by World War I hero Alvin York. Later, in 1937, it became a state-run public high school. This school is unique because it is the only high school in the United States that is fully funded and managed by a state government.
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History of York Institute
Alvin C. York created the school that carries his name in the 1920s. He wanted to give kids in rural areas a chance to get a high school education. Starting in 1919, he traveled around the United States to raise money. He used his fame as a war hero to get public attention. He raised $10,000 for the school.
The state government of Tennessee also gave $50,000. Fentress County, where the school is located, promised another $50,000. Classes at the school began in 1929. It operated as a private school until 1937. Due to money problems during the Great Depression, York gave the school to the state of Tennessee. The state still runs it today as a public school. It serves as a special way to remember Alvin York.
School Campus and Buildings
The school is located on a very large campus, covering over 400 acres. This is thought to be the biggest public high school campus in the world. The campus is also a wildlife management area. This means it helps protect animals and plants. It even has a working farm where students help take care of Limousin cattle. There are five ponds on campus. These ponds are used for farm animals, fishing, and for birds to feed and nest.
The buildings used today include the Main Administration Building, which was built around 1980. There is also a Social Sciences Building and a Science Building. Other buildings are the Alvin C. York JROTC Building, from the 1940s, and the Fentress County Vocational Training Center, from the 1970s.
The Jamestown Community Center and Jamestown Community Park are also located on land near the school.
Historic School Building
The original school building was a two-story brick building from 1928. It is a very important part of the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A new school building was built in the 1980s. The old building then started to fall apart. In 2005, a group called the Tennessee Preservation Trust said it was one of the state's "most endangered" historic places.
In 2008, the Tennessee Department of Education suggested tearing it down. They estimated it would cost $3.6 million to demolish it. Renovating it would cost $3.7 million. Because of safety worries, officials blocked off the old building. They also blocked areas within 50 feet of its walls. This meant four classrooms in the current main building could not be used.
On July 15, 2008, an agreement was made. The Sgt. York Patriotic Foundation agreed to help restore the historic building. They would also help fund the work. By January 2010, the building was made stable. The first repairs were finished. This work cost about $1 million.
What Students Learn
The school teaches students in grades 9 through 12. It uses a special "block schedule." This means the fall and spring semesters each have four blocks. Students take four classes each semester. York Institute also offers many vocational programs. These include agriculture, car repair, home building, metalwork, nursing, accounting, and computer systems.
York Institute was part of a program to improve science and math education. This program was for schools in the Appalachian region. It helped schools with students from lower-income families.
College Courses for High Schoolers
Thanks to a local group and Roane State Community College, York Institute offers college courses. Students can take these courses for free. Classes include College Algebra, American History, English Composition, Psychology, and Spanish. Students get both high school and college credit for these classes. They can earn up to two years of college credit before graduating high school.
Job Training and Certificates
York Institute also has a CNA certification program. CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. Students can get their CNA license after one semester of classes and hands-on training. The school also has a classroom and shop for the Tennessee Technological Center. This allows them to offer welding courses right at the school.
Community Learning Programs
Alvin C. York Institute also runs programs for the community. These programs offer different classes, events, and resources. They are all free for community members. The main goal is to get parents and community members involved in learning. These classes help the community get to know the school better. They also help people see how important education is. Classes range from basic subjects to advanced courses. Many arts and crafts classes are also offered. Union Bank of Jamestown provides money for this program.
Clubs and Activities
York Institute offers many clubs and activities for students. These include:
- Chorus
- Drama
- Journalism
- Art
- Student Council
- JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps)
- Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
- Student Christian Club
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
- Scholars' Bowl
- Future Farmers of America (FFA)
- Skills USA
- Envirothon
- Pep Club
- Math Club
- English Club
- Spanish Club
- BETA Club
- Tennessee Scholars
- National Honors Society
- Interact Club
- Future Teachers of America
Sports Teams
The school has many sports teams for students to join:
- Football
- Boys & Girls Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Boys & Girls Soccer
- Boys & Girls Track
- Boys & Girls Bowling
- Boys & Girls Golf
- Cross Country
- Boys & Girls Wrestling
- Volleyball
Awards and Recognition
York Institute has received several awards for its excellence. In 1989, it was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. In 1992, Redbook magazine recognized it as one of "America's Best Schools." It also received an award in 2006 for its good practices in character education.
Famous Graduates
Some notable people who graduated from York Institute include:
- Roger Crouch, an astronaut
- Lincoln Davis, a U.S. Congressman
