Emmett J. Scott High School

Tyler ISD

Smith County

 History of Emmett J. Scott High School

Emmet J. Scott High School served as one of Smith County’s all-black high schools from 1949 to 1970. The original school, which served first through tenth grades, opened in 1888 and had just four classrooms. The original school burned down in 1921, rebuilt in 1923 and named Emmett Scott Junior High. Scott Junior High served elementary and secondary students until 1949 when Emmett J. Scott High School opened with 26 classrooms. The new school had an auditorium, band hall, gymnasium, administrative suites, and a shop. The school closed in 1970 after a federal court ordered all Tyler schools to integrate. The Emmett J. Scott High School was awarded a Half Mile of History Award by the City of Tyler and can be viewed by clicking here.