From 1910 through 1973, hundreds of our Black children attended and graduated from Scipio A. Jones High School. Further, the physical presence of the school in the Black community served as a stabilizing force and as a beacon of hope for Black people who dared to dream.

1907. The School Board rented a hall on the corner of Second and Smothers Streets and employed Mrs. Julia E. Brown as primary teacher. This school was to accommodate small children only and Mr. Strickland served as principal of both schools.

1909. The School Board purchased six lots on the corner of Ninth and Hickory Streets and built a two-story brick building. This building, containing eight rooms, a principal’s office and a basement, was named Argenta Colored School. The east and west end schools were moved to the new building and Mr. Strickland continued as principal.

1911. The name was changed to Hickory Street School and a high school course was added to the curriculum. The principals from 1911-1928 were Mr. Strickland, Mr. Ish, Mr. W.W. Wilburn, Mr. S.P. Massie, Mr. Guy, Mr. W.J.C. Hunter and Mr. K.J.T. Blakely.

1928. The name was changed to Scipio A. Jones High School in honor of a prominent Negro Judge, Scipio Africannus Jones. The newly built annex contained seven classrooms, a hall and an auditorium.

1942. A gymnasium was constructed. This frame structure was the “Pride of North Little Rock”. For many years, Jones High School had the distinction of having the only gymnasium for Blacks in the state. It was the site for many Girls’ and Boys’ State Tournaments. Many state titles were won during these years under the leadership of Coach A.B. Calvin, and succeeding coaches.

1943-44. From a mere conversation between teacher, Mr. Ulysses S. Harris and Principal, Dr. E.H. Hunter, the Adult Evening School had its beginning. The program grew by leaps and bounds. Realizing the need for Veteran Education, in 1948, the Scipio A. Jones High School Veterans Building was erected.

1948. Jones started it’s first organized guidance program. Mr. U.S. Harris became the first counselor and coordinator of the program.

1950. The Home Economics Cottage at Tenth and Walnut Streets, located on the campus of the Veterans Building was completed

1951. A new one-story buff brick and concrete Junior-Senior High School building was erected at Tenth and Walnut Streets.

1960. The Adult Evening School and Veterans Division of Jones High School combined.

1966. The elementary grades were removed from the 1928 annex building to a new facility. At this time, the annex building again became a part of the Scipio A. Jones High School Complex.

1968. The new Health and Physical Education Building, which housed physical education classes was completed. This building became the new home of “ The Mighty, Mighty Dragons” basketball teams.