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Historic Jones School
A Legacy That Lives On
Historic Jones School
J.J. Jones High School was a cornerstone of African American education and community life in Mount Airy. Its story lives through the students who learned there, the educators who taught and led, and the families and community members who made the school an important part of life for generations.
Today, AAHGS–Surry NC is carrying that legacy forward through the vision for the
Historic Jones Cultural Heritage Center—a community-centered destination for history, genealogy, education, cultural heritage, and engagement.
Through this work, the history of J.J. Jones School will remain connected to the people and community it served while creating new opportunities for future generations to learn, discover, gather, and connect.
The Historic Jones High School was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, recognizing its significance to African American heritage, education, and community history.
A Legacy Rooted in Education & Community
The story of J.J. Jones High School grew from a decades-long effort to expand educational opportunities for Black children in Surry County.
John Jarvis Jones came to Mount Airy in 1914 with the goal of improving education for Black youth. After his death, that work continued through his family and community, including his son Leonidas H. Jones, who organized the Mount Airy Colored High School in 1936 and served as principal throughout its years as a high school.
The school moved to its present site for the 1940–1941 school year. It was renamed J.J. Jones High School in 1945 in honor of John Jarvis Jones and his commitment to creating greater educational opportunity for African American students.
Explore the Jones School Story
J.J. Jones School History
Discover the people, events, and milestones that shaped the school from its early beginnings through integration in 1966.
Historic Jones Cultural Heritage Center
Learn about the vision for the Historic Jones site as a cultural, educational, genealogical, and community resource.
Jones School Project
Explore the ongoing effort to steward the historic property and preserve its legacy for future generations.
Project Progress
Follow future updates about preservation, development, and the continuing care of the historic site.
Share Your Jones School Story
Help preserve the memories, photographs, documents, and family connections that make the Jones School story unique.
Preserving More Than a Building
Students, teachers, families, and members of Mount Airy’s Black community repeatedly worked together to improve the school and create opportunities that were not otherwise available. One of the most powerful examples came in 1947–1948, when students helped construct the school’s gymnasium/auditorium after the community raised funds and gathered donated materials for the project.
That spirit of determination, resourcefulness, and community pride remains an important part of the school’s legacy today.