After four years of serious discussion, a detailed survey and presentation to the city commission, the proposal to allow a two million dollar school bond referendum to go before the voters passed on May 12, 1965. Voters overwhelmingly approved the measure by a 17-1 majority with 2,400 votes for and 142 against the measure. School colors of blue and white and the Blue Raider symbol, chosen in 1959 by the ninth grade class, became the official school insignia. In 1966, students walked through the doors of the new Cleveland High School and formal dedication ceremonies were held on October 2,1966, a culmination of united efforts by students, teachers, principals, superintendent T.C. Bower, all Board of Education members, and the Parent-Teacher Association. Since its inception, academic excellence has been the benchmark at Cleveland High as each year a disproportionate number of seniors for the size of the school are National Merit Scholars and Finalists.
Students are always active in science fairs, mathematics, and foreign language contests.
This was Tennessee's first secondary school to receive such recognition. Honors courses are available to challenge the academically talented student. Students who qualify may also enroll in joint or dual enrollment courses at Cleveland State or Lee University enabling a student to receive college credit prior to high school graduation. Former principals include James Traylor, Jim Sharp, T.C. Henley, Charles Carrick, Maxine Hughes, and Doug Greene.