The Mansfield High School was opened in 1892 on the corner of Fourth and Bowman Streets, currently the site of John Simpson Middle School. It served as Mansfield's high school until 1927. The middle school was then named for Dr. John Simpson, who served as the school superintendent from 1873-1893. The building was enlarged in 1903. The present building was erected in 1949 to replace the original at a cost of $400,000. Parts of the original building still remain at the rear portion of the newer building.