Historical Perspective:

The history of Grambling Middle School emerged from the high school. In 1901, Mr. Charles P. Adams, at the request of the Farmers Relief Association of Ruston, Louisiana, was asked to start an industrial school, came to Grambling and organized a school. This school was later called the North Louisiana Agricultural and Industrial Institute. Between 1901 and 1912, the school was operated under private auspices but it became a quasi-public school in 1912. The school became known as Lincoln Parish Training School in 1918, under the direction of the Lincoln Parish School Board.

In 1928, the institution was made a state junior college, the purpose of which was reorganized for a venture emphasizing rural teacher education. It was at this point that the college emerged from the high school.

In 1936, the program was reorganized for a future emphasizing rural teacher education. This reorganization marked the beginning of the administration of Ralph W.E. Jones, who became the second president of the institution. One administration served both the college and the high school. The name of the institution was changed to Grambling in 1944.

Grambling High School continued as an integral part of Grambling College, with the registrar serving as college registrar and principal. When the Louisiana State Board of Education granted the college permission to prepare high school teachers in 1948, Mr. A.D. Smith appointed the first principal of Grambling High School. The school moved from the College Administration Building in 1952 into a temporary structure.

The present facility was completed in 1954. In 1958, Grambling High School became a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In 1964, the school’s organizational plan was changed from the 9-4 plan to the 7-5 organization. A new senior high school wing was constructed in 1965.

From 1965-1985, Grambling was under a comprehensive program (K-6) and (7-12). At that time the name of the school was changed to Alma J. Brown and under the reorganization of the Division of Education at Grambling State University, the elementary and high school were unified as one school with a director and a principal. During the 1985-86 school year, the Laboratory School became Grambling Magnet Schools, embracing a curricula for K-12. In 1986-87, the school plan was redesigned to form the Grambling Middle Magnet School. Dr. Vicki R. Brown was appointed the first principal of this school, and she continues to serve.

Presently, Grambling Middle School is a quasi-public rural middle school that makes up a department of the College of Education at Grambling State University. The campus-based facility provides for the educational needs of children in grades 6-8. The school is dedicated to supporting and advancing the purposes and goals of the University. The primary role of the school is to provide a conducive environment, using innovative instructional practices designed to promote academic success for all students and preservice teachers. The chief administrative officer of the unit is the Dean of the College of Education. The Director is the chief administrative officer of the laboratory schools and reports directly to the Dean. Policies regarding governance, programs, admission, faculty selection, and staff development are shared among the appropriate advisory and decision-making bodies within the College of Education, the Dean, and the Faculty.
 

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