A Short History of Our School

Big Sandy schools are located in the heart of northeast, Texas in a quiet, rural community centered approximately 25 miles between Tyler and Longview. We are apart of the 2A-18 school districts and compete against Harmony, Harleton, Union Grove, New Diana, Winona, Jefferson, and Ore City in UIL events. In 1905, the first school building was constructed with five classrooms and one office. Later in 1927, this building was removed and replaced by a new brick facility for $35,000 to support about 225 students. The present building was built in 1973 and has been added onto over the years as the population has grown. A new gymnasium that houses a large, fully equipped weight room facility and a new ag shop were built in 2005. Today, over 700 students and 120 faculty members call Big Sandy schools their home. Big Sandy offers extracurricular activities, including band, FFA, NHS, student council, spanish club, year book, and journalism. Students also have the opportunity to participate in football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track and field, baseball, softball, tennis, and cheerleading. A daycare is available to staff with youngsters below the age of 4.

Originally the Buffalos, Big Sandy is now the home of the Wildcats. Our school was recognized nation-wide during the years of 1973, 1974, and 1975 when our football team won three consecutive state championships with a record of 42 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie. The team set a national scoring record during 1975, racking up 824 points through-out the season.

The 1975 team included later notable NFL stars such as David Overstreet, a former running back for the Oklahoma Sooners and the Miami Dolphins, and Lovie Smith, head coach for the NFL Chicago Bears. In 2005, the Wildcats again reached the state final game, but fell short by one point to Stratford.

Big Sandy has a great team of teachers and staff that pride themselves in educating and developing good character in our students. Our goal is to transport every student to a new destination by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to become a successful person.