Thank you for visiting the Kings Mountain High School website. We hope you find our website to be user-friendly, and after your visit, you will have a good idea of all we have to offer.

Kings Mountain High School is a wonderful place for students to grow educationally, get involved, and have a meaningful high school experience. In just about every way that schools are measured, whether it is academically, in the fine and performing arts, or athletically, Kings Mountain High School excels.

We believe our course offerings and extra-curricular offerings are second to none. We strive to create an environment where each and every student has the opportunity to reach their goals. Our teachers work very hard planning lessons that challenge our students to be the best they can be.

Our tremendous success would not be possible without the support and continued interest from you, the parents. Thank you for your support and as always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Melissa Wilson, Principal

The mission of Kings Mountain High School is to provide a safe and orderly environment where high expectations enable students to obtain skills and knowledge necessary for graduation and for becoming responsible and productive citizens.

The history of Kings Mountain High School can be traced back to 1905 when Kings Mountain Graded School was founded. At that time, Central School (seen below) encompassed all grade levels (1st- 11th). The original school was completed in 1910 and had a music room, office area, eight classrooms on the first floor, and four classrooms and an auditorium on the second floor.

The football program for Central School began in 1922. Below is a photo of one of the early Kings Mountain High School football teams. (It was taken in 1922).

On November 14, 1932, a fire devastated Central School, making it necessary to rebuild. It was replaced by the current two-story building (see picture below). The current structure is essentially the same today as it was after the rebuilding project.

A vote was held in 1960 to consolidate Kings Mountain, Bethware, and Grover schools. The vote was approved and the following year students attended the newly created school system. The name of this new system was Kings Mountain District Schools.

As a result of the 1960 merger, a new high school was planned to accommodate the larger number of students in the district.

In the fall of 1965, a brand new high school for the district opened its doors and Kings Mountain High School began to serve all the students in the merged district. Grades 9-12 were housed at the new building, while Central School held grades 7 and 8.

In November of 1974 a new Kings Mountain Junior High School opened (currently Kings Mountain Middle School) and consisted of grades 8 and 9. Kings Mountain High School dropped grade 9 and only contained grades 10-12. The name changed to Kings Mountain Senior High School. Grades 6 and 7 were held at Central School.

In 1990, Kings Mountain Junior High changed to Kings Mountain Middle School and consisted of grades 6, 7, and 8. The high school once again housed grades 9-12, and changed its name back to Kings Mountain High School. Central School closed as school and reopened as the District Office for Kings Mountain District Schools in the fall of 1994.

In 2004, Kings Mountain District Schools merged with Shelby City Schools and Cleveland County Schools to become a part of the newly formed Cleveland County School system.

Kings Mountain High School has a long and proud history. We look forward to an even brighter future!

Go MOUNTIES!

(A special thanks to Becky Scism for her assistance in creating this history)

Melissa Wilson- Principal

Email: mgwilson@clevelandcountyschools.org
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary English Education from Western Carolina University; Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction and School Administration from UNC Wilmington

Career: I am a proud graduate of Kings Mountain High School, so it was an honor to begin my teaching career here in 2007 as an English teacher. A few years later, I had the opportunity to teach English at Cleveland Early College High School, where I really developed a love for curriculum. For six years after teaching at CECHS, I worked as a Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for Cleveland County Schools, serving schools all over the district.  I have served as an assistant principal at Kings Mountain Middle School and most recently have served as Assistant Principal here at Kings Mountain High. While I continue to be the principal, I hope to continue the proud tradition of being a Mountaineer!

My husband is also a graduate of KMHS, and we have one son who will hopefully be a Mountaineer one day, too! I am thankful for the Kings Mountain community and am honored to serve our school and community. #GDTBAM

Laura Benson- Assistant Principal

Email: ljbenson@clevelandcountyschools.org

Laura J. Benson is a native of Gaston County and a product of Gaston County Schools. She is a graduate of Ashbrook High School and attended North Carolina Central University and Belmont Abbey College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ms. Benson was selected to participate in the inaugural Gaston County Schools Superintendent's Leadership Academy and received her Master’s in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. 

As an elementary teacher, Ms. Benson taught second, third, and fourth grades in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She gained experience on the middle school level by teaching sixth grade Social Studies and Science and serving as the Behavior Support Teacher at Grier Middle School. Ms. Benson also has experience in alternative education serving as the Innovative Partnership Grant Coach at Warlick Academy. 

Ms. Benson has a professional philosophy of children first. She brands herself as an educator who challenges students to be the best version of themselves and to live out their purpose. In her free time, Ms. Benson enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two dogs, Barker and Coco. She also loves house plants of all kinds and learning about them. Ms. Benson is actively involved in her community and surrounding area through her sorority.

Hailey Raza-Spearman- Assistant Principal

Email: herazaspearman@clevelandcountyschools.org

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from Gardner-Webb University; Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education

Career: I began my career in education as an English teacher and have spent 17 years serving students in the classroom and in a variety of leadership roles. I joined the Kings Mountain High School family as an English teacher and have been fortunate to serve our school in many different capacities, including Graduation Coordinator, Beginning Teacher Mentor, Track and Field Coach, and Assistant Athletic Director. In 2026, I had the opportunity to begin a new chapter at KMHS as an Assistant Principal.

One of the things I value most about Kings Mountain High School is the sense of pride and community that makes this such a special place. I believe in building strong relationships, taking care of people, and doing whatever it takes to help our students and staff be successful. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving KMHS and the Kings Mountain community in this new role.

It’s always a great day to be a Mountaineer! #GDTBAM

 

Logan Andrew- Assistant Principal

Email: rlandrew@clevelandcountyschools.org

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management from East Carolina University, Master's of School Administration from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Career: I taught Business Education and was a tennis coach at Forestview High School in Gaston County. After leaving the classroom, I worked as a Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator for the Career & Technical Education Department at Gaston County Schools. 

It is an honor to serve as an Assistant Principal at Kings Mountain High School and I look forward to being part of this community!

#GDTBAM