In 1875, professor Alexander James Moore of Paul Quinn College, concerned over the lack of quality education for Waco's negro population, began teaching small groups of children in his home. The first schoolhouse, a frame building that had been relocated east of this site, had formerly served as a hospital.

                 Alexander James Moore                           The First Schoolhouse

In 1923, the frame schoolhouse was replaced with a brick building. The school was renamed after its founder, A.J. Moore, who served as principal from 1881 to 1905.

A. J. Moore High School

As the first school in Waco designated to educate the city's negro youth, A.J. Moore High School was an important institution in the community. Until 1952, Moore High housed students from grades one through twelve. From 1952 to 1971 it served grades seven through twelve only.

Moore High was closed in 1971. More than 4,000 students graduated from A.J. Moore High School during its nearly 100 years of service. Many of them have made significant contributions in the fields of education, medicine, religion, law, public health, business, engineering, law enforcement, social services, theater, sports, and military service.