Burton public schools opened in 1874, and by 1926 they offered nine grades. In 1938, construction began on Burton's first high school with funding from the Federal Works Progress Administration, and the building was completed in 1940. Designed by architect Travis Broesche and built by local contractor Will Weeren, the school exhibits international and rustic architectural style, with features including abutting two-story rectangular blocks, a curved wall near the entrance, and a native fieldstone veneer.