In 1921, Wise County was one of the first to have a nine month school term. In the 1920's, Wise County was the first to employ high school principals on a twelve month basis, and was one of the first to place commercial courses in the regular high school curriculum. In 1936, Wise County was the first county to organize and offer a five-year high school course. Beginning in the early 1940's, Wise County was also the first to own and operate a county-wide vocational school, transporting students to and from the regular high school. Education in the county has changed enormously since the days when students walked several miles to one-room schools.
Students can now take advantage of a variety of programs designed to meet their needs and interests.
J. J. Kelly High School strives to meet the changing needs of its students and those of the community it serves. Information for this Web page was taken from The Story of Wise County, Virginia, written by Luther F. Addington.