Montevallo in Shelby County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Prentice High School

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 29, 2026

1. Prentice High School Marker

Inscription.
On this site stood Prentice High School, established in 1950 to meet the need for an African American high school in Montevallo. Before the school was built, Black students had to travel eighteen miles to Columbiana for secondary education. The Shelby County Board of Education purchased land for the school from Hampton D. and Exie Patric Lee. Originally called Montevallo Negro High School, it was renamed in honor of Rev. Joseph S. Prentice, a prominent minister and civic leader from the nearby Aldrich community.

Prentice High School quickly became a hub of academic and social activity. The school colors were green and gold. The school's mascot was a dragon. Dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff ensured that Prentice students enjoyed a full high school experience. The school was closed in 1970 due to desegregation. George Dailey was the last principal. Remodeled and expanded since its original construction, the building still stands as Montevallo Middle School. The park in front of the school is named in honor of George Dailey, who later became the first African American man to serve on the Montevallo

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City Council.

May this marker serve as a reminder of the legacy of beloved Prentice High School and its lasting contributions to Black education in central Alabama.

Erected 2026 by City of Montevallo and Alabama Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 33° 5.695′ N, 86° 51.977′ W. Marker is in Montevallo, Alabama, in Shelby County. It is on Samford Street near Selma Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 235 Samford St, Montevallo AL 35115, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Birmingham Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 29, 2026

2. Prentice High School Marker

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Selma Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); The Mason Hall (about 700 feet away); Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lynching in America / Lynching in Montevallo (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome To Historic Montevallo (approx. half a mile away); Montevallo City Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Alabama Historical Association (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montevallo.

More about this marker. The marker was dedicated March 22, 2026.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 29, 2026

3. Prentice High School Marker

The marker is on the far left of the school behind the white pick up.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.