In 1902, the first school for African Americans was opened in Decatur. The school was located within Decatur, in the primarily black neighborhood Beacon Hill. The initial school was run from within the local
Presbyterian Church and lead by a church Reverend. Later in 1913, due to increasing demand, the school was relocated and a new brick building was constructed for the school. With its new location on Herring Street, the school was renamed as the Herring Street school. Due to years of neglect, much of the site was deemed unsalvageable, however sections such as the school's gymnasium were successfully incorporated into the new construction. == Academics ==