Clarkrange High School
Home of the Buffaloes
The county’s own — a small school with a championship tradition, a nationally decorated JROTC program, and a community identity that runs deep in the heart of southern Fentress County.
Small School.
Championship Culture.
Clarkrange High School is the county’s public high school — the only one operated by the Fentress County School District. With an enrollment of just 268 students, it is one of the smaller high schools in Tennessee. But don’t let that fool you. What Clarkrange has built athletically, academically, and through its JROTC program is nothing short of remarkable.
Located in the community of Clarkrange — named for cattle rancher Cyrus Clark who settled the area in the late 1800s — the school sits near the intersection of US-127 and TN-62 in the southern part of Fentress County. The same highway that hosts the World’s Longest Yard Sale every August runs right past its door.
Eight state basketball championships. Eleven national JROTC titles. Three national chess championships. For a school of 268 students in a rural Tennessee county, that record belongs in any conversation about the most accomplished small schools in the state.
“A small school with a big heart — and a trophy case to prove it.”— Clarkrange, Fentress County, Tennessee
Over 100 Years in
Clarkrange
From a two-grade junior high to a nationally recognized athletics and JROTC powerhouse — more than a century of history along York Highway.
School Opens
Clarkrange High School begins in the fall of 1919 as a junior high school with only grades 9 and 10. Courses include English, Algebra, Civics, General Science, and Biology. Three teachers serve the school.
Becomes a Senior High School
The school is officially elevated to a full senior high school. Chemistry and physics are added to the curriculum, with science lab tables hand-made by Mr. Horace Peters — the first regular science teacher. A home economics department is also established.
First Graduating Class
The first senior class graduates — just four students. A small beginning for a school that would go on to produce generations of Fentress County community leaders, athletes, and veterans.
Vocational Agriculture Added
The Vocational Agricultural Department is established by Mr. Harry Martin. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) program eventually earns national and state recognition, building on Fentress County’s deep agricultural roots.
First State Championship
The Lady Buffaloes win the first of what will become eight TSSAA girls basketball state championships — launching one of the most dominant small-school programs in Tennessee history.
Championship Decade
The Lady Buffaloes win back-to-back championships in 1990 and 1991, then again in 1995. The JROTC Raider team also begins building its national championship legacy during this era.
Chess & JROTC Shine
The chess team wins national championships in 2000, 2004, and 2008 — a remarkable run that draws national attention to this small Cumberland Plateau school. Girls basketball adds titles in 2004 and 2009.
Still Going Strong
Clarkrange High continues to compete with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, dual enrollment through Roane State Community College, and active programs in athletics, JROTC, FFA, and more. Principal Jason Bradley leads the school today.
A Championship
Tradition
For a school of 268 students, Clarkrange has built an athletic and extracurricular record that most schools five times its size would envy.
🎖️ JROTC Raiders — 11 National Championships
The Clarkrange JROTC Raider team has won 11 national championships — one of the most decorated high school JROTC programs in the entire country. The Raiders have placed first nationally multiple consecutive years, bringing extraordinary recognition to this small Fentress County school.
♟️ Chess Team — 3 National Championships
The Clarkrange chess team won national championships in 2000, 2004, and 2008 — a remarkable run for a rural Tennessee school that drew national media attention and highlighted the school’s academic depth beyond athletics.
🏀 Girls Basketball Dynasty
Eight TSSAA state championships across four different decades — 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1995, 2004, and 2009. The Lady Buffaloes have been a fixture in the state tournament and a source of intense community pride throughout Fentress County.
🌾 FFA — National Recognition
The Future Farmers of America program at Clarkrange has earned both national and state recognition, fitting for a school in an agricultural community where farming and land stewardship are central to the local way of life.
Sports at
Clarkrange
Clarkrange competes across a full range of TSSAA sports. Note that several sports are run as co-ops with York Institute. Follow the Buffaloes at MaxPreps for current schedules.
More Than a
Small School
Clarkrange punches above its weight academically as well — offering dual enrollment, gifted programs, and vocational training to a student body of fewer than 300.
Dual Enrollment
Clarkrange students can earn college credit while still in high school through Roane State Community College. Students have reported earning over 12 dual enrollment credits before graduation — a significant head start on college costs.
Gifted & Talented
Clarkrange offers a Gifted & Talented program — providing advanced academic challenge for high-achieving students. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are also available.
JROTC Program
The JROTC Raider team is arguably the most decorated program in the school — 11 national championships in raider competition. Leadership, discipline, and teamwork are central to the program’s culture.
FFA / Vocational Ag
The Vocational Agriculture program — established in 1937 — has earned national and state FFA recognition and reflects the school’s deep connection to Fentress County’s agricultural heritage.
Chess Program
Three national chess championships in 2000, 2004, and 2008. The chess program put Clarkrange on the national academic map and remains a point of pride in school history.
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
With just 268 students and a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, Clarkrange offers individualized attention that larger schools simply can’t match. Students know their teachers — and teachers know their students.
Considering a Move to Fentress County?
Clarkrange is one of two excellent high schools serving Fentress County families. If you’re relocating with kids, Tim & Lori Denehy can help you understand the school districts, communities, and what life is like in this part of Tennessee.