Scott School
| G. W. Scott School | |
| Active | 1891–1999 |
|---|---|
| School type | Public |
| District | Birmingham City Schools |
| Grades | 1–8, K-6 |
| Colors | blue & white |
| Mascot | Rams |
| Location | 1517 Hibernian Street, (map) Birmingham |
The George W. Scott School (originally Pratt School, Pratt City School, Pratt City Colored School and Pratt Negro School) was an elementary school organized in 1891 by the newly-incorporated Pratt City. The school originally occupied a two-story frame building.
After Pratt City was annexed into Birmingham in 1910, the school came into the Birmingham City Schools system. It was renamed in 1949 in honor of long-time principal George Scott, following a suggestion by faculty and community members. In the 1960s a new brick-clad school building was constructed at 1517 Hibernian Street near Bankhead Highway in North Pratt.
The one-story building was recognizable for the oblique square chimney next to the entrance, on which was mounted the school's flagpole. A pedestrian bridge over Bankhead Highway provided a safe walking route for students living on the other side. In the late 1970s and early 1980s enrollment peaked at around 600 students.
The Scott School closed and was merged along with the McCaw School into the new South Hampton Elementary School in 1999. The gymnasium at South Hampton Elementary is named in honor of Scott.
In 2011 The former Scott School was used as an emergency shelter and supply distribution center for households affected by the April tornado outbreak. The facility was operated by Bethel Baptist Church of Pratt City.
In the 2010s the city listed the building for sale through Eyster Properties and BLOC Global with an asking price of $475,000. In February 2024 the Birmingham City Council approved the sale of the former school and adjacent North Pratt Community Center to The MoveMent Fellowship Church for $25,000. The church plans to work with physician Elaine Colby to open the MoveMent C.A.R.E. community health clinic in the building.
Principals
- George W. Scott, 1912–1934
- Mr Pruitt
- Mr Edwards
References
- "F. D. McArthur Again Named To Head City School Board." (May 7, 1949) The Birmingham News, p. 9
- Garrison, Greg (February 15, 2024) "Church turning historic Birmingham school that was once a tornado relief center into health clinic." AL.com