THE HISTORY OF BEAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

1894- MONTANA SCHOOL

1923-BEAR CREEK CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

1952-BEAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

2009-BEAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

The memorial stone displayed was originally placed in the archway above the main door of the Montana School.  Built in 1894, the single room school served elementary grades one through eight.  From 1939-49 the structure was designated as a custodian’s quarters, after which it served as a classroom for grades one and two.

In 1920, the people of Bear Valley voted to consolidate, thus giving the area its first high school.  Bear Creek Consolidated School housed grades one through twelve.   In 1921, the faculty, consisting of five teachers was housed in the “teacherage” building.  

The first graduating class was in 1923 with five graduates.  In 1950, all of the schools in Jefferson County were consolidated and became the R-1 School District, with the class of 1952 being the first official graduating class of the now named Bear Creek High School.  Though fire destroyed this building in 1959, classes were held continuously in the gym and temporary classrooms throughout the construction of the new school site which stood just east of the current school.

In September 1962 Bear Creek High School opened its doors from extensive construction and educated many students through the years.  A multitude of fires struck the old structure, the last in May 2008.  The old school was open for one last year until its replacement in April 2009.  Bear Creek has had a long tradition of being unique and accommodating to each individual students needs.  From those starved for academically challenged classes to those who desired trades, all of its students benefit from the vast amount of curriculum offered.  The old bear who once stood tall in its main hallway has found a new home, newly restored; he still embraces the strength and tradition of Bear Creek. 

A new era has been created in Bear Creek’s rich history.  In April 2009, 115-years later, the newly constructed Bear Creek High School returned home to its original building site where it first stood in 1894. 

1947 - 1948 Yearbook