In 1931, during the Great Depression, Vernon High School was constructed for white students in grades one through twelve with eight classrooms, offices, and an auditorium. In 1947, four junior-high and nine elementary classrooms were added, centralizing education and ending the need for one-room schools in western Washington County. The site became the home of the Vernon Yellow Jackets, reflecting the community's school spirit. After public school integration in 1965, the addition of Vernon Elementary School and Vernon Middle School alongside Vernon High School created three educational facilities in the local area. In 2006, the high school relocated to Moss Hill Road, and the City of Vernon took ownership of the old building from the Washington County School Board. Renovation of the main structure allowed its use as a city hall and community center, with offices for organizations including the Vernon Historical Society, Washington County Council on Aging, WIC, Literacy Program, and the Sheriff's Department Annex. Made of red brick, Vernon Old School has continued as a notable community resource.