It began in buildings used by the Tennessee Valley Authority during the construction of Hiwassee Dam.

[5] In May 2020, the Cherokee County Board of Education voted to consolidate Andrews, Murphy, and Hiwassee Dam High Schools.

[6] A $50 million state grant was given to the school system in September 2022 to accomplish this goal.

[7] After public outcry, in January 2023 new members of the Cherokee County Board of Education voted to return the money to the state rather than move forward with the consolidation.

[8] As of 2023, HDHS had the highest graduation rate of any high school in the county – 97 percent.