mooresville was the first high school in central indiana, built in 1861 as a subscription high school with students from as far away as iowa boarding with local residents to attend school. the expense of operating the school was met by charging a tuition fee. in the first year, the school operated during a fall session at a cost of $11 and a spring session at a cost of $9. beginning in the fall of 1862, the school held three sessions each year at a cost of $7.50 for each pupil enrolled for each session. students who lived outside mooresville boarded with local families at a cost of $1.50 to $2 per week.