Home to Cookeville High School from 1966 to 1996

The construction of a new senior high school, located on Highway 70 East, for grades 10-12 was plagued by various disputes and even litigation between the contractors, school board, and the Quarterly Court.  The design of the school was a new concept featuring clusters of classrooms called 'pods' that branched from the school's main building that housed the gymnasium, cafeteria, and auditorium.  Students would have to go outdoors to change classes.  This design, which some citizens said gave the building an "extraterrestrial appearance," immediately met with the disapproval of many residents.  When the school opened in 1966, it was immediately overcrowded.  

Originally called Putnam County Senior High, the school was officially renamed Cookeville High School in 1981, after a student led initiative.  

Brutton, Bobbie (June 3, 2003).  “20th century brought many changes to school system in Putnam County”. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville, Tennessee