The Currituck Union School in Currituck County, North Carolina, holds significant historical importance as the first county-provided school for African American students, serving grades 1 through 12. Established in 1950, it marked a pivotal shift from the era of small, segregated schools to a consolidated educational facility for Black students in the region.

Prior to the opening of Currituck Union School, African American education in the county was facilitated through several smaller institutions, including the Jarvisburg Colored School, the Currituck County Training School in Snowden, and Rosenwald schools in Coinjock, Moyock, and Gregory. These schools often operated with limited resources, and students frequently faced long commutes on foot. In 1950, these disparate schools were consolidated into the newly established Currituck Union School in Barco, providing a centralized educational environment for Black students.

At its inception, Currituck Union School accommodated approximately 90 students across all grade levels. Educators like Almeta Hare played a crucial role in shaping the academic experience, utilizing both state-provided textbooks and community-donated materials to enrich the school’s library, which eventually housed around 500 books.

The school functioned as the primary educational institution for African American students until the mid-1960s, when Currituck County began the process of desegregating its schools. Subsequently, the building that once housed Currituck Union School became Central Elementary School, continuing its educational mission within an integrated system.

The history and legacy of African American education in Currituck County are preserved through the Historic Jarvisburg Colored School Museum. This museum offers exhibits and personal narratives that chronicle the experiences of students and educators during the segregation era, providing valuable insights into the community’s educational journey.

For those interested in exploring this rich history further, the Historic Jarvisburg Colored School Museum is open for self-guided tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additional information can be found on their official website: hjcschool.org.

Located in front of Central Elementary School
504 Shortcut Road
Barco, NC 27917