The school employed Charles Cookman, a Harvard graduate, as a teacher

Early Schools: Before the Civil War, there were few schools west of the Allegheny Mountains, so families had to collaborate to meet the state requirement for the number of students needed to operate a school.

After the Civil War, Henry Harlow ran a school that moved frequently to serve students in different areas.

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Marlinton Academy: Andrew Beall donated land and his home to be used as a school called Marlinton Academy.

The school employed Charles Cookman, a Harvard graduate, as a teacher. During his time there, Cookman encouraged community members to engage in activities that would improve their community. After a time, the school closed and no longer served students.

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School for Colored People: Following the Civil War, a school was established for "colored people".

Initially, the school was housed in a two-room building near the current Methodist church. Later, a bigger building was constructed and used as the school location for more than 15 years.

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A.M. Syd's School: A.M. Syd established a Marlinton school to teach advanced topics in 1890.

The school operated for a short time before being replaced by a Union military school. This school used Confederate gray uniforms and obsolete muskets for drills. The Harlow house on Main Street served as the school's location.

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1906 School Building: Andrew Price, the president of the Sons of Veterans, lobbied the state for funds to build a new schoolhouse.

The state provided $10,000 for the construction. Land owned by Jane Kerr was purchased for the school site. The new school offered a 12-year curriculum and was considered the first "graded" school in the area.

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Expansion and Development: A new, bigger school building was built in 1911, directly across from the courthouse.

It took the place of the school building built in 1906. The curriculum was expanded in 1916 to offer a 3-year high school program. Several individuals held the position of principal, including L.W. Burns, A.D. Given, T.M. Mallow, Maggie J. McNeel, Victor Moore, C.J. Lester, and G.D. McNeill.

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Modernization and Growth: The school was modernized while G.D. McNeill was the principal.

This modernization included the addition of a library and a commercial department. The 1926 building included rooms for a gym and domestic science, and in 1928, space for a vocational agriculture program was added. The 1957 Marlintonian concludes that the school has become an essential part of the community with intentions for future growth.