Northbranch Academy graduated some 220 students between 1889 and 1942

None of the 15 Jewell County high schools were alike. There were different mascots and colors, some had mottos, some didn't, some had buildings built for first through twelfth grades, others had buildings dedicated to the high school. But one school had several attributes setting it apart from all the others.

Northbranch Academy didn't have a district number or a "school board." It had a charter from the State of Kansas and was governed by a nine-member board of directors. Northbranch Academy was not funded with taxes but with tuition, a foundation and support from a church.

The Northbranch Ac...