 The two prior private schools in Opelika named "Opelika High School" also burned, in 1867 and in 1894.For the next year, classes were held in the old Opelika Public School building, until a new structure could be built on the same grounds.With the new building, Opelika High School was renamed in 1918 Henry G. Clift High School, after the then-mayor of Opelika.