Middle College, a small high school representing students from many residential areas across the city, opened its doors in August 1987 on the campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College, then Shelby State. Its initial enrollment was approximately 80 sophomores. Initially, Middle College’s student body was compromised of students in grades 10-12. In 1990 Middle College graduated its first class with college credits. All 25 Middle College graduates completed high school with an average of 18 college hours.

Under the Early College Redesign model, a cohort of 25 ninth grade students was added. Following the development of a new partnership with Christian Brothers University, the school moved to its current location in 2009 where a 6-16 initiative was created with CBU. For twenty five years, MCHS has been part of the National Middle College Consortium Network, which now includes more than 25 schools nationally. College courses are offered on the MIddle College and Christian Brothers University campuses.

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has recognized Middle College High School as a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement and awards schools whose students excel regardless of background or circumstances. This attitude of striving for excellence despite background is also what has made MCHS the first and only school in the history of Tennessee to achieve Rewards status for Progress and Performance for two years.