Home > Exhibits > Online Exhibits > Preparatory Academies and Vanderbilt University
| 1908-1910 | Everett B. Tucker |
| 1908-1925 | James A. Peoples |
The private independent school is free to establish and control its own traditions and ideals ... unhampered in the enforcement of discipline and undisturbed by political or community interference.
—William O. Batts
James A. Peoples, who with his brothers Grier and Hal had worked at Battle Ground Academy, founded Peoples-Tucker along with Everett B. Tucker in 1908. The founders were both alumni of Vanderbilt, and encouraged athletic participation along with academics. Peoples acted as principal for the school’'s entire existence; Tucker left in 1910 for another position. In 1925, Peoples sold the school to the town of Springfield, and the school became Springfield High School. The original buildings burned in 1936.