Our History

Laurence Clifton Jones: Visionary Founder of The Piney Woods School

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In the spring of 1909, a young black man came to a desperately poor section of Mississippi, located approximately 21 miles southeast of Jackson, known as the piney woods. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, and educated at the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1907, Dr. Laurence C. Jones saw the need for schooling among poor blacks in rural Rankin County. He made the acquaintance of both blacks and whites in the piney woods area and finally won their confidence. His task was not easy. He was almost lynched by a group of angry white men who thought he was preaching against white people. By the grace of God, he survived the rope.

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Dr. Jones started The Piney Woods School with one student; but soon others came, young and old alike, with only a burning desire to learn. The people in the area saw the earnestness and honesty of the young teacher. They contributed lumber, nails, and small amounts of goods and money to the effort.

From the beginning, The Piney Woods School’s curriculum consisted of vocational subjects along with the three “R’s.” Dr. Jones felt that many of his students would not go on to higher education and must be prepared to earn a living at a useful trade.

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In May 1913, at the end of its fifth year, the school received a charter from the governor of Mississippi. Many teachers, black and white, joined the staff and worked for little or no salary as the school endeavored to train teachers for the State Department of Education and to teach handicapped and blind children. In 1950, through the influence of Helen Keller, a special school for the blind was established, and the Piney Woods blind students were transferred to that institution.

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Laurence Clifton Jones was a pioneering educator and visionary leader who founded The Piney Woods School in 1909. With a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives, Dr. Jones dedicated his life to providing quality learning opportunities for African American youth in the rural South.

Starting with little more than a dream and a single log cabin, he built Piney Woods into one of the nation's most respected historically Black boarding schools. His innovative approach combined academics, vocational training, and character development, ensuring that students not only gained knowledge but also practical skills and a strong moral foundation.

Dr. Jones’ legacy of resilience, service, and educational excellence continues to shape Piney Woods today. His unwavering commitment to empowering young minds lives on through the school’s mission, preparing future generations to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the world.