History :

The first school house was built in 1873. It was a small four room brick building where teaching was limited to the lower grades. Feeling the need for a larger school and a more complete course of study, it was decided to build an additional two rooms to that building. Work was begun which, when completed, was a roomy, well build two story brick structure which served the community as a place of learning. In 1936, the present building was erected to take its place.

In 1952, the Barnard and Guilford Schools were consolidated with the school district being named South Nodaway. Results from consolidation were a more workable unit financially, a broadened athletic program and an increased curriculum, academically. The “Longhorn” was chosen as the school mascot and cardinal red and black were selected as the school colors. In the 1952-1953 school year, the high school began in Barnard and the elementary school in Guilford. Grades 1-3 were taught at Barnard also that year.

In 1961, a new wing was built on the Barnard building, including the junior high classroom (high school English room), industrial arts room (cafeteria), the music room and boys and girls locker rooms. The fifth and sixth grade rooms were added to the Guilford building. Also in 1961, the new athletic field, “The Longhorn Corral,” was initiated for outdoor sports.

A new addition was completed in September of 1999 to the front of the high school, which included a new social studies room, math room, nurses office, principal’s office, secretary’s office, I.S.S./Storage room, handicap accessible restrooms, library on the upper level, and a weight room, agriculture room, art room, and restroom in the basement.