The history of Bethpage begins, not where the villages now stands, but in the hills at the headwaters of Bledsoe Creek and on its western tributaries. The early settlers bypassed the low, fertile fields because this area was covered by huge sycamore trees and dense can underbrush. Also in the rainy season, the creek spread out over all the low, swampy land.

         There were few settlers here before 1800; most of them came in the decade following. Most came from the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia seeking better land to cultivate. Among the settlers was a Methodist society, which met at Mabry’s Meeting House about 1805. In 1818, Seth Mabry and wife deeded 1 ¾ acres on the north side of the Bledsoe Creek for a new church to be called “Bethpage”. Legend has it that it was named by Nathaniel Parker for his deceased wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth or “Beth” Page. This church was the consolidation of Mabry’s Meeting House, Mount Zion Meeting House below Bethpage and another church near Chipman.

         Mabry’s Meeting House also served as a school. Children only attended school three or four months each year. After all the crops were harvested and before bad winter weather came, they would spend their days learning. Most early schools were either in the home of the teacher or in whatever building was available, usually a church. The teachers were paid by students’ families.

         Little is known of the early schools prior to the Civil War. It is known that a small log church called Brushy Fork Meeting House existed as early as 1842. It was used as a school until it burned about1869. Located on the present site of the Bethpage Cemetery was a brick church which was used for classes from 1853 until 1868.

         In 1899, Tulatuskee (an Indian word meaning “tall corn”) Normal College was organized by 43 stockholders whose contributions ranged from $5.00 to $200.00 each. It was created basically for the training of teachers. Professor E. B. Wilson was named as principal, and he was assisted by Pattie Malone, who later became Sumner County’s only female superintendent.

         The large two-storied building stood upon the acreage now occupied by the Bethpage Wedding Chapel. Its grounds were extensive, reaching from Highway 31 E to the western banks of Bledsoe Creek.

         Funds for operating the school and paying the teachers’ salaries came from tuition fees paid and by boarding students from other communities. Tuition per term was $4.00 for primary; $5.00 for intermediate; $6.00 for preparatory; $7.50 for college. Tuition and board for a term of ten weeks was $22.50 - $25.00 or for five months $45.00 - $50.00.

         Around 1902, following the decline of the college, it became Bethpage High School under the authority of the Sumner County Board of Education. In 1913, a decision was made to consolidate the Bledsoe School with Bethpage. A wagonette to carry children to and from school was organized.

         In 1916, there were only two four-year high schools in Sumner County. These were located in Gallatin and Portland. There were several two-year schools including Brackintown, Fairfield, Westmoreland, Castalian Springs (Bledsoe), Hendersonville, Beech, Fairmont, White House, and Bethpage.

         Toward the end of 1923, the Tulatuskee property was transferred to Sumner County. Mr. Knox Doss became principal in 1935, and remained so for nine years. He introduced athletics to Bethpage School. In 1926 Mr. Doss had a basketball team composed of Fred Moore, Norman Doss, Exum Evans, John Turner, Bryson Parker, and Herman Garrett. They were the Sumner County champions.

         Bethpage School continued to flourish, and in the fall of 1941 classes began in a new building. The new school was completed at a cost of $40,000. On October 21, the first graduating class from Tulatuskee Normal College, Class of 1899, attended dedication exercises.

         Bethpage remained a two-year high school until 1947. Afterward, it housed grades one through eight. The building remained virtually unchanged until renovations were made in 1965. A new cafeteria was added with all the latest equipment, and tile replaced the old wood floors. As time passed, grades kindergarten through six was taught. In 1989 it was determined that sixth grade would be taught in middle school. From this time until the present, grades kindergarten through five are taught.

         The late 1970’s and early 1980’s brought turmoil. It seemed as though small schools were to become obsolete, therefore, the end of each school year brought fears of being closed. The school year of 1987 – 1988 brought the dreaded news; it would be Bethpage School’s last year. It was suggested that a new school be built closer to the Gallatin area. The community was devastated, but it banded together and fought for the new building to be located here. During the school year 1989 – 1990, it was decided that Bethpage would receive the new building. The spring of 1991 was a wonderful exciting time. On April 1, ground breaking ceremonies were held with county officials and school staff attending. Bethpage School also celebrated surviving 50 years. On October 21, the same date as the dedication exercises in 1942, a 50^th anniversary luncheon was held. Former students, teachers, parents, and citizens enjoyed seeing old friends and reliving old memories. Also in attendance was the class of 1942, Bethpage School’s first graduating class. History had repeated itself!

         In the fall of 1992, classes began in the largest portion of the new building; only one wing was not ready for use. The entire school was ready for occupation a short time afterward.

         The Bethpage community has a rich educational history. It has furnished more teachers, relative to its population, than any other city within Tennessee. Our hope is that with courage and loyalty Bethpage School will continue to live up to its motto, “Learning Today – Leading Tomorrow”.

         In the fall of 2003, another milestone has taken place. An addition was being constructed that would include three new classrooms, a work area, a storage room, and two new restroom facilities. This addition was completed in 2005.

         In the summer of 2007, yet another milestone was taking place. Another addition was being constructed that would include six new classrooms. This addition was completed in December 2008.

         Be on the lookout as Bethpage School continues to grows!