The school is named after Merrol N. Hyde, a local resident and Sumner County Commissioner.

[citation needed] Merrol Hyde offers numerous clubs, activities, and student organizations.

Among these are its band, pep band, and jazz ensemble, as well as DECA participation, a government club, a student council, a culinary club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, a math team, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and Med-Connect.

[9] High school students participate in "Pillar Competitions" known as the Panhellenic Cup, which are games and tournaments between four student-led teams.

TSSAA sports include track, cross country, golf, tennis, soccer, football (varsity joins with Station Camp High School), basketball, swimming, volleyball, bowling.

The school also offers archery, cheer-leading, dance team, cycling, and a personal fitness club.

Grades K–12 must wear specific style numbers of a very limited selection of garments from Lands' End, French Toast, or Parker School Uniforms.

Other elements of the dress code include a requirement of belts, a ban on shoes without backs in the middle school.