As Doniphan entered the status of city, in 1891, the Doniphan R-1 school system was composed of a superintendent, S.P. Bradley; a principal, L. F. Cowan; an intermediate, Miss Ellen Mabrey; and a primary, Mrs. M.E. Vernon.

A high school was added to Doniphan in 1895.  Prior to the high school being added, students who wanted to attend school beyond the eighth grade had to attend an academy, usually in Fairdealing.

In 1898 the first high school class graduated from a two year course. They were taught Mathematics, English, Latin, and History.
The names of these graduates were:

Patricia Atkinson
Eva Cartwright
Charlie 0. Borth
Pink Mabrey
Sallie Mabrey

In 1899 a new building was erected in Doniphan. The growth of the town meant more children and less space in the classroom. The school was given $10,000 to resize the building.

In 1902 a new high school was built in the eastern part of town. This school was later turned into a grade school and remained there until a new one was built in 1951.

To be a teacher, it was desired for you to have at least an eighth grade education and you had to attend a teaching institute to obtain the lowest level of teacher's certificate, the B class certification.

In 1891 special classes were offered. Miss Olds, from Thomasville, taught a three-month course in instrumental music. When the course was completed, a different subject, often drama, was offered for the rest of the school year. The faculty in 1909-1910 consisted of the following:

Butam Harry, Superintendent--$100
W. M. Westbrook, Principal--$75
Bu Colton--$65
Beu Beauchamy--$50
Ethel Johnston--$47.50
Frank Miller--$40
Edith Borth--$40
Anna Mabrery--$40
Dora Young--$40
Myrtle Williams--$40
Betty Hudson--$40

Some of these teachers were also members of the school board.
SEE the 1909 school board in action!!

As time went on, there were more and more courses offered to the students. The table shows the courses that were offered in 1963 and how many different levels there were of each course. The program was rated as a strong "AA" classification.

* Can be omitted in certain schools by previous approval of State Department of Education.

This information was gathered by Allison McKinney in 1999-2000 School Year