Monticello in Jefferson County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School (Later Howard Academy High School) Second Street
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, May 8, 2013
1. Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School (Later Howard Academy High School) Second Street Marker
Inscription.
Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School (Later Howard Academy High School) Second Street. . This historic marker recognizes Howard Academy Elementary/Junior High School, which eventually became Howard Academy High School. In 1957, the first phase of Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School was constructed on Second Street. The school operated as an elementary and junior high school until 1959-60, when the facility was expanded to accommodate Black students in Grades 1-12. The establishment of this school resulted in the closure of many of the two-and three-room schools in rural areas. In addition, children had better and safer accommodations, including a spacious library; work areas for specialty classes, such as home economics and choral music--facilities that were not available at the school on Chestnut Street. The new school also had a gymnasium and football field. The combining of grades did not impact the school's administration since Eddie L. Simpkins and George W. Pittman continued in their roles as principal and assistant principal, respectively. When the district implemented its desegregation plan in the 1970-71 academic year, the Howard Academy High School site became the district's only middle school-Howard Middle School.
This historic marker recognizes Howard Academy Elementary/Junior High School, which eventually became Howard Academy High School. In 1957, the first phase of Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School was constructed on Second Street. The school operated as an elementary and junior high school until 1959-60, when the facility was expanded to accommodate Black students in Grades 1-12. The establishment of this school resulted in the closure of many of the two-and three-room schools in rural areas. In addition, children had better and safer accommodations, including a spacious library; work areas for specialty classes, such as home economics and choral music--facilities that were not available at the school on Chestnut Street. The new school also had a gymnasium and football field. The combining of grades did not impact the school's administration since Eddie L. Simpkins and George W. Pittman continued in their roles as principal and assistant principal, respectively. When the district implemented its desegregation plan in the 1970-71 academic year, the Howard Academy High School site became the district's only middle school-Howard Middle School.
Erected 2009 by The Jefferson County Public School District, The Jefferson County Retired Educators Association, Alumni and Friends and the Florida
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Department of State. (Marker Number F-681.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 30° 32.384′ N, 83° 51.479′ W. Marker is in Monticello, Florida, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Park Avenue, on the right when traveling east on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monticello FL 32344, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. At present the school is no longer being used.
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, March 24, 2021
2. Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School (Later Howard Academy High School) Second Street
With former school in background
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, March 24, 2021
3. Howard Academy Elementary and Junior High School (Later Howard Academy High School)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 769 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on August 14, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.