In the fall of 1973, Collierville Middle School was established at 3414 Peterson Lake Road to include grades five through eight. The location at Peterson Lake served as the town’s elementary school, housing grades one through four, opened in the fall of 1960. In 1963, grades fifth and sixth were added. The interdisciplinary and departmentalized team approach formed the basis of the instructional program for these additional grade levels.

Original location of Collierville Middle School (1973) at 3414 Peterson Lake

With the growth of the town and subsequently the student population, another school building was needed to house the students in grades six through eight. On November 20, 1974, the Shelby County School Board purchased approximately thirteen acres of land on the corner of Frank and Byhalia Roads and an additional ten acres of land on Frank Road that had been used as a playground by the Shelby County Conservation Board. The land was purchased from William L. Osteen, which was part of the J.F. Dudney Estate, formerly known as the James Biggs Estate. The middle school was constructed at the corner of Frank and Byhalia Roads, with a new concept---an open space building, recalling the days of the one room schoolhouse with students of various ages within one area of learning.

Second location of Collierville Middle School (1976) at 1101 North Byhalia Road

During the fall of 1976, Collierville Middle School moved to a new location at 1101 North Byhalia Road. The open-spaced facility was designated to include grades six, seven, and eight. In addition to the change in building design, the team approach was implemented. The school was divided into ten instructional teams, with three fifth grades teams, three sixth grade teams, and two eighth grade teams. The principal was Mr. Billy Simpson (1972-1977.) Other principals of Collierville Middle School have included Mr. James Boyd (1978-1980), Mrs. Sherry Phillips (1981-1998), and current principal Mrs. Ingrid Warren (1999-present).

A major change in the design of the building located at the corner of Frank and Byhalia Roads occurred in the summer of 1983. Five feet walls partitioning each class within the open-space area were added. Lockers were also installed in each classroom. Another major change occurred when an additional sixteen new classrooms were added onto the existing building.

Present location of Collierville Middle School (1995) at 146 College Street

With the closure of Collierville-Byhalia Road Elementary and Pisgah High School, the enrollment greatly increased at Collierville High School. A plan was devised to have the high school students at the College Street school location move and attend high school at the school building at Frank and Byhalia Roads. In turn, the middle school students would now attend school at the location of the former high school.

Collierville Middle School currently resides at 146 College Street. In 1995, Collierville High School and Collierville Middle School exchange buildings. The students of Collierville Middle School would now attend school at the College Street location. Located within the heart of the town and within a half mile from the historic Town Square, Collierville Middle School has always been considered an integral part of the community.

Collierville Middle School currently resides at 146 College Street. In 1995, Collierville High School and Collierville Middle School exchange buildings. The students of Collierville Middle School would now attend school at the College Street location. Located within the heart of the town and within a half mile from the historic Town Square, Collierville Middle School has always been considered an integral part of the community.

Within the thirty-three year history of Collierville Middle School, a notable event occurred with the presentation of a prestigious award for the school in 1983. Collierville Middle School was recognized with a national award by being selected as a school for the Excellence in Education Award by the United States Office of Education in Washington, D.C. in October of 1983.

The United States Office of Education, under the direction of Secretary T.H. Bell, initiated the Secondary School Recognition Program in an effort to recognize outstanding schools across the nation. In the spring of 1983, each state department of education selected ten middle / junior high / high schools for representation at the national level. Criteria for selection included student performances on standardized achievement and minimum competency tests, low drop-out rate, high daily attendance record, awell- coordinated curriculum, and strong academic and behavioral goals.

Tracy Kenny, Student Council President with PTA President Ingrid Warren and faculty representative, Russell Joy, accepting the Excellence in Education Award

Collierville Middle School was selected as one of the five middle / junior high finalists by our state department and was named on e of the top ten schools in the state of Tennessee. Collierville Middle School was under consideration for further evaluation by a representative of the United States Office of Education. This evaluation included a visit to the school and interviews with students, parents, faculty members, and the superintendent. After the additional evaluation at the national level, Collierville Middle School was selected as one of the 152 schools to receive an Excellence in Education Award.

Though the school’s location may have changed, the school’s philosophy has always maintained that of putting the students of Collierville Middle School first. The student and his or her individual needs are the utmost concern. A variety of teaching strategies are utilized to meet these needs. It is through a total staff commitment that we feel an obligation to put forth every effort to provide a learning experience which will allow each child to develop his or her skills to the fullest.

It is the firm belief that experiencing success, whatever the level of learning, will aid the student in developing a positive self-concept and a recognition of his or her usefulness as an individual. We further believe that the learning experiences for our students are provided through the complimentary expertise of the teachers within each team, the flexibility incorporated in our instructional program, and the cooperation of the entire Collierville Middle School family in all school-wide activities.

Current Information for Our School

Collierville Middle School Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide an enriching, supportive environment designed to
promote academic excellence, develop respect for all individuals,
and expand the personal interests and talents of our students.

At Collierville Middle School, we believe . . .

Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.

A standards-based curriculum, effective teaching, and total staff commitment
will address the varying needs of all of our students.

The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative to ensure that our
students become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.

A safe and intellectually challenging environment promotes student learning.

Students not only need to demonstrate their understanding of essential knowledge and skills
but need to be actively involved in solving problems and producing quality work.

Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.

Productive and purposeful citizenship is built upon the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.

Self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual respect between students and staff.

An atmosphere of respect, cooperation, and caring between students and staff
promotes tolerance and an appreciation of the differences in people.

A positive relationship between the community and the school enhances student achievement.

The focus of Collierville Middle School is on achievement, attitude and accountability. With the mission statement and belief in mind, members of the Collierville Middle School faculty and staff are determined to provide a nurturing learning environment and are passionate about the curriculum areas in which they teach to help our students become better learners.