Ashford High School

Ashford High School

At Ashford High School, we believe that each student is an individual with unique learning needs and abilities. Our environment is designed to enable students to achieve their fullest potential. Ashford High serves as a center of learning for the entire community, and we encourage parents to be actively involved in the educational journey of their children. We believe that strong communication between parents and teachers is essential for success. Each student’s mindset should be enhanced through a supportive and challenging learning environment. Students are encouraged to participate in decision-making and problem-solving opportunities that promote independent thinking. Our school day is intended to be both challenging and rewarding for all students. Every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect while also being taught the importance of personal responsibility.

Ashford’s first school was established in the 1880s (before the railway came through) and was located on the corner of Main Street and Sixth Avenue under the direction of Professor M. Cherry. The next school, built in the early 1900s, was located on the southeast corner of Adams and 3rd Avenue under the leadership of Professor J.W. Brown. This wooden structure, consisting of four rooms, stood where the school gymnasium is today.

In 1924, the building was destroyed by fire, which led to a community effort to build a more modern facility. From 1924–1926, classes were held in various local facilities until a new brick building was completed in 1926. Ashford High School resumed under the leadership of Professor J.C. Parrish until 1940. Since that time, many well-respected principals have guided AHS, including H.A. Carlton, George Franklin, W.H. Brown, Wallace Smith, Riley Jo Andrews, Shirley McArdle, James Odom and currently Donnie Chambers. (While Wallace Smith was principal in 1980, the school once again burned, leaving only the gymnasium and nearby classrooms. It was rebuilt in 1982 and has undergone multiple additions and renovations over the years.)

Most recently, Ashford High School completed a building project that added eight new classrooms, an on-campus band room, and a boys’ and girls’ weight room facility. In 2021, with the reconfiguration of Houston County Schools, Ashford High School and Ashford Middle School became two separate schools. While they continue to share the same campus and some faculty, they operate independently. The most current construction is the new gynnasium being built with the anticipated opening of 2026.

Today, Ashford High School serves approximately grades 9–12, offering students a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Students can participate in athletics such as football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, track, and more. Beyond sports, students are encouraged to join organizations including Beta Club, FFA, FCA, First Priority, Student Ambassadors, Yearbook, Band, and other leadership and service-based clubs. These organizations promote service to both the school and community, while also offering opportunities for growth and leadership.

Each spring, Ashford High School hosts an Honors Day Program to celebrate student success. “A” and “A/B” Honor Roll students are recognized, and additional awards are presented to acknowledge academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular excellence.