The first public high school for the county was built in 1880 on the present day site of the National Guard Armory in Douglasville.

Over the years, the name was changed to Douglas County High School, and the small, twelve-classroom building was added to and built up around.

The first major change came when the wooden framed auditorium caught fire and left the building exposed.

Later that decade, the connecting hallway of the Mashburn and Banks buildings collapsed during a major storm.

During this period, a viral video was recorded on campus, featuring actress Keke Palmer and rapper Tyga using with inappropriate language.

Douglas County High School has held the record for the most students to receive the International Skills diploma seal.