Go to HCPS District Website
Why We Celebrate

On July 1, 1993, Henderson County Schools and Hendersonville City Schools merged to form what we know today as Henderson County Public Schools. Over the past 30 years, HCPS has grown from 19 to 23 schools - including an early college and career academy - and educates more than 12,500 students each year.

From the very first day of school as a unified district, until now, HCPS has been committed to growing and nurturing each child that comes through its doors!

Read the full press release about the HCPS 30th Anniversary Celebration
1797

Mills River Academy established “the cradle of education in Henderson County”

1839

The General Assembly passed the North Carolina Public School Act. Each county had to provide half of the funds to run a public school, and the state contributed the rest of the money.

1839

Henderson County Schools established

1901

Hendersonville City Schools established

1965

The last graduating class from Ninth Avenue School held its commencement in May. By the fall of 1965, all schools in Henderson County and the city of Hendersonville were integrated.

1993

Henderson County Public Schools established on July 1, 1993 upon the merger of the city and county school systems

1993

Apple Valley Middle, North Henderson High, and Upward Elementary opened

1999

Glenn C. Marlow Elementary opened

2001

The new Fletcher Elementary School building opened for staff and students

2002

Clear Creek Elementary opened

2008

Sugarloaf Elementary opened

2009

The new school buildings for Hillandale Elementary and Mills River Elementary opened for staff and students

2009

Henderson County Early College opened on the Blue Ridge Community College campus

2014

Balfour Education Center became Henderson County Career Academy

2017

The Innovative High School Building opened on the Blue Ridge Community Campus for Career Academy & Early College

2021

Edneyville Elementary’s new school building opened

2022

Hendersonville High School renovation and new building opened

History of Our Schools Each school within HCPS has its own history. Click below to read more about our schools and how they’ve developed over the last 30 years.