Alvin C. York Institute

Alvin C. York Institute is a public high school in Jamestown, Tennessee, spread across a 400-acre campus with wildlife management areas, agricultural facilities, and classroom buildings. The school serves grades 9 through 12 with an emphasis on hands-on vocational training.

The school was founded in 1926 by Alvin York, a World War I veteran, as a private agricultural academy. Tennessee took over its operation and funding in 1937, transforming it into the only state-run comprehensive secondary school of its kind in the nation.

The school maintains a focus on hands-on learning through agriculture, technology, and nursing programs that shape how students spend their time here. Walking through the campus, you notice how these practical skills are woven into the daily school experience and facilities.

The campus is spread across large grounds that take time to explore by car or on foot given its size. Since this is an active school environment, it is best to call ahead or plan your visit during official visiting hours.

This school is unique in the United States because it is directly managed and funded by a state government rather than by a local school district as is typical. This unusual arrangement grew out of its distinctive founding and takeover by Tennessee.

Location: Jamestown

Inception: 1926

Founders: Alvin York

Website: http://www2.york.k12.tn.us

GPS coordinates: 36.44440,-84.93690

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49