The Development of Education in Rhea County, Tennessee

Introduction: This thesis reports the evolution of the Rhea County School System from 1806 to 1960. The development of education begins with the early history of the county. The study shows the rise of private schools and academies. The beginning and growth of free elementary school and the beginning and development of secondary schools and colleges are shown.

There is no organized recorded history of education in Rhea County. There are very few early records pertaining to the development and operation of the schools in the county and those in existence are not readily available for use. As time passes, the possibility of the available information concerning the schools being lost or destroyed increases.