In the beginning, Greenlee Elementary School was just “Greenlee School.” It was a school for “Negroes” as we were called then, and taught children from first grade to twelfth grade. Books were scare and supplies were non-existent. Black teachers collected information and brought it in to enhance the development of their students. At an early age, we were taught contributions made by African Americans that were not in the books distributed by the Board of Education. Such information did not exist in our books.

INTERGRATION RENAMED THE SCHOOL

GREENLEE SCHOOL BECAME GREENLEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DID YOU ATTEND THIS SCHOOL?

Many students, black and white attended this elementary school after integration. It took many, many years before this happened. Even though the address is in McCool, MS, it is also located near a very small town called Ethel. As a child growing up on Highway 12 not far from the school, it was not there prior to integration. Greenlee was a black school about 3 miles north of where it currently sits, and schooled only black children from kindergarten to 12th Grade.

Many successful African Americans walked those halls. The Ferguson and Dotson children were among them. Were you one of them? If so, let us know by completing the form below. Include when you attended, and if you have a photo, we will add the information and picture here.

GREENLEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STILL STANDS

Greenlee Elementary School stands ready to assist children in all shapes and sizes, rainbow colors and from different social economic levels. Poised alongside Highway 12, it represents a beacon of light for children traveling the educational road of life. Knowledge maybe power, but sound moral values establish success.