Early Beginnings

The First School Just three years after the founding of the City of Kokomo, education took its first steps in Howard County in 1845, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Dr. Adam Clark, the county's first teacher. He opened the doors of the very first school, held in a humble log church constructed in 1844 on the east side of Washington Street. For just $2, students could attend a 13-week term of classes, laying the groundwork for a robust educational community.

Subscription Schools and the Movement for Free Education

The early days of education in Kokomo featured subscription schools, which persisted until 1853, with attendance fluctuating between 16 and 38 pupils. However, the desire for free education was gaining momentum, leading to the creation of the first dedicated school building at the corner of Washington and Walnut streets in 1853—a significant milestone as the first free school in Howard County.

Growth and Establishment of Free Schools

As Kokomo officially became a town in 1855, the free school system thrived under the guidance of the town board. By 1856, enrollment in free schools soared to 145 children, reflecting a growing commitment to accessible education. This commitment was further solidified when the Constitutional Convention of 1850-61 declared the necessity of a uniform system of common schools, free of charge and open to all, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in preserving a free government.

A City and Its Educational Expansion

The incorporation of Kokomo as a city in 1865 marked another pivotal moment as the Board of School Trustees established two new schools, including the original Columbian School. By 1870, Howard College emerged, with M.B. Hopkins at the helm. Though advanced students attended college with their tuition funded by school resources, Howard College faced closure when Hopkins became the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1872.

The Impact of Natural Gas Discovery

The discovery of natural gas in Kokomo ignited an unprecedented period of growth, prompting the construction of additional schools, including Central Junior High School, which welcomed its first students on March 22, 1898. However, the Old Normal Building tragically burned down later that year.

C.V. Haworth: A Transformative Leader

C.V. Haworth, who began his 33-year tenure as superintendent in 1913, is remembered as a transformative figure in Howard County education. His leadership ensured the construction of new schools and the acquisition of land for future growth, even after the high school suffered a fire in 1914, necessitating makeshift classes in community spaces. Under Haworth's guidance, notable schools such as Jefferson, McKinley, and Roosevelt were built, enhancing educational opportunities across the community. The opening of a gymnasium in his name in 1925, followed by the construction of Memorial Gym in 1949, showcased the ever-growing importance of physical education.

A New Era: Strategic Investments in Educational Growth

In 1946, the establishment of a $1 tax rate for a cumulative building fund set the stage for significant expansions over the next 25 years, leading to the creation of schools like Bon Air and Haworth High School. Enrollment at Kokomo Schools hit its peak in the fall of 1968, with a remarkable 13,230 students.

Adapting to Change

However, as the years progressed, enrollment declined, leading to the closure of several older buildings, including Douglass and Jefferson schools. The merging of Haworth High School and Kokomo High School in 1984 marked a new chapter in the community’s educational landscape.

A Modern Educational Landscape

Today, the transformed Haworth building serves as Kokomo High School, home to the Kokomo Area Career Center. McKinley has evolved into a hub for high school and middle school alternative programs, while the old high school building is now a magnet school, catering to specialized educational needs.

Continuing the Legacy of Education

Kokomo's commitment to innovation in education continues, with various schools offering unique programs, such as STEM and Integrated Arts, ensuring that the legacy of education in Howard County remains vibrant and adaptive to the needs of its community. From its humble beginnings to its current dynamic landscape, Kokomo's educational journey is a testament to the enduring value placed on knowledge and opportunity.

Dr. Mike Sargent currently serves as Superintendent of the Kokomo School Corporation.

District officials wish to acknowledge long-time Kokomo High School Principal Frank Moore for many of the facts contained here in our history. In addition, several notes were taken from the Howard County Indiana Family History, 1894-1994, book created by the Howard County Genealogical Society.