History

In 1911, the year that marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. George, the St. George Academy building was constructed. The LDS Church operated the academy until 1933, when it became a two-year college within Utah's higher education system. The St. George Stake Academy on Main Street was the forerunner of both  Dixie High School and Dixie State College, and was once lovingly referred to as the "Dixie Academy". These two educational institutions, with their shared beginning, have served to nourish the intangible quality called "Dixie Spirit"- a quality that celebrates the camaraderie within the St. George community, as well as the educational endeavors of generations of it's citizens. "Dixie Spirit" has been embodied in the traditions of Dixie High School and Dixie State College since that time, with both institutions claiming a tradition known as D Week. The students at Dixie High participate in such long-standing activities as the bucket run, whitewashing the "DIXIE" painted on the Sugarloaf, class Olympics, pancake breakfasts, and senior show-off assembly. Dixie State College students also participate in a week-long celebration, which includes whitewashing the "D" on the black hill. In 1963, the Dixie Academy split into two schools, Dixie High School and Dixie Junior College, which in 2002 became Dixie State College of Utah. Also, that same year (1963), the Dixie High School campus moved to a new facility built on 700 South and opened its doors to a new generation of Flyers. After many memorable years and following significant growth in St. George, the original building at 700 South was no longer sufficient to serve the needs of the community, and a replacement building was constructed on the same site. In 2004, the student body moved into the new building, and the majority of the old building was torn down. As we approach Dixie's Centennial Anniversary, Dixie High looks to the future with high expectations for the students who pass through its doors. Equally important, we remember the dedication, sacrifice, and determination of those who established our pioneer roots 100 years ago in a remote desert community in Southern Utah. "Dixie Spirit" is alive, well, and thriving!