In the 1830's small schools began to be formed in the areas surrounding Palmyra often on land donated by the owners. Many early schools were one-room log buildings and often started as subscription schools where their parents paid for each child to attend.

In 1843 the total number of children attending schools in Marion County was 2,347 at a cost of $1.48 per child. in 1874 Marion County was divide into 52 school districts. The County Superintendent of Common Schools visited each schools during the year.

By the late 1950's small rural schools began to have trouble finding qualified teachers, and sometimes enrollments dropped below the average daily attendance of eight students required for state aid, forcing the schools to close.

In 1960, thirteen existing rural schools were closed and students came to the newly built Palmyra Elementary School which had more classrooms to accommodate the additional students.

By 1961 only three country schools in the county remained-- Turner, Providence, and Clear Creek. Many of the former school buildings became private homes, and some are still standing today.