Named for Admiral David Farragut, who was born in this area, Farragut High School began in 1904 as a six-room frame academic building on twelve acres of donated land at the junction of Concord Road and Kingston Pike. Professor Charles E. Koon, the principal the first year, was succeeded by Miss Amanda Stalzfus. In addition to practical agriculture, domestic science, and manual training, the curriculum included Latin, English, and science to prepare students for college entrance.

After the original building was destroyed by fire on March 15, 1906, the community raised over $25,000 for new facilities which included a study hall that would seat 300 and a cottage for the principal.

The first class was graduated in 1907 with one student awarded a diploma. Two students graduated in 1908 and five in 1909.

When the University of Tennessee’s Dr. Philander P. Claxton became the United States commissioner for education in 1913, his admiration for Farragut led to the publication of Bulletin No. 49, entitled: The Farragut School, A Tennessee Country-Life High School. This bulletin may have helped initiate the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 which provided funds for vocational high schools that would institute agricultural programs. Farragut was named the first Smith-Hughes school in the nation.

Farragut has undergone many additions and modifications over the years. A gymnasium was added in 1917, an elementary school building in 1923, an addition to the high school in 1932, an auditorium in 1938, a new gymnasium in 1941, a new elementary school in 1949, and the final addition to the high school on the original campus in 1959.

By 1976 Farragut had completely outgrown its original campus and was moved to a new $10-million facility on 55 acres overlooking the Farragut community. In 2004 Farragut High School celebrated its 100th birthday. Today Farragut High School is one of the leading high schools in Tennessee; the flagship of a rapidly expanding suburban academic community. Farragut’s campus includes an intermediate school as well as a middle school which equates to 5,000 students total.

The school prides itself on quality education, offering more advanced placement classes than any other public school in the Knox County School System. Farragut offers a diverse set of extracurricular activities ranging from acting and orchestra, cross country, lacrosse, and chess.

Vision 

Farragut High School commits to being a world-class school that builds integrity and excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Goals 

• Maximize achievement and growth for every student.
• Graduate every student.
• Identify and increase professional growth opportunities.
• Strengthen parental and community involvement.

Academics

In September 2007 Farragut High School tied with White Station High School for the most National Merit Semifinalists (16) in the state. In 2008 Farragut had the largest number of National Merit Finalists in the state with a total of 16 students.[1][2] In 2006 and 2005 Farragut made the Newsweek list of the top 5 percent of public high schools in the nation based on its AP program.

Athletics

In the fall of 2008 & 2009, the Farragut High School Golf Team won the Tennessee State AAA High School Tournament. In Spring 2007 The Farragut High School Rugby Team won the Tennessee State Plate Division Championship. In Spring 2003 and Spring 2004, The Farragut High School Baseball and Men’s Soccer team won the TSSAA state championships. The Spring 2004 Men’s Soccer Team was also named National Champions. The Farragut High School Baseball team again won the TSSAA state championship in Spring 2008, 2009, and 2010 for a “three-peat”. The Farragut High School Men’s Soccer team also won the TSSAA state championship in 2009
Extracurricular activities

In Spring 2008 the Admiral Performing Arts Club’s cast of the theatre production “Judy Moody” won first place in the Tennessee State Forensics Competition.

Visit the school website for more information.

Notable Alumni

* Bill Bates, a football player with the University of Tennessee and the Dallas Cowboys
* Neil Clabo, a football player with the University of Tennessee and the Minnesota Vikings
* Tyson Clabo, football player with Wake Forest and the Atlanta Falcons
* Lewis Cosby, bassist for the alternative rock band 10 Years
* John Davis, guitarist and lead singer of the rock band Superdrag
* Ben Garant, actor and comedian. Co-creator and writer for the television series Reno 911!
* Michael McKenry, baseball player for the Colorado Rockies
* Chris Moneymaker, 2003 World Series of Poker Champion
* Tim Seals, Coach of (17) USTA National Junior Tennis Champions, Professional Poker Player
* Jake Thomas, actor notable for his role in Lizzie McGuire
* Matt Wantland, guitarist for the alternative rock band 10 Years
* Kyle Waldrop, Pitcher for the Minnesota Twins