jan 1, 1923 - Northeast Jr. High School

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Northeast Jr. High School was organized in 1923, and was located on the site once owned by the Fowler family of the Fowler Packing Industry at Fourth Street and Troup Avenue. The building was not occupied until 1925. Grades seven, eight, and nine were located in this school.
The elementary schools with grades one through six and attended by Black students were the “feeder” schools for Northeast Jr. High School. In addition to those feeder schools, Black families from White Church, Edwardsville and Shawnee Mission, Kansas, had to send their children to Northeast Junior High School. Students who lived in Rosedale, Argentine, Armourdale, and other outlying areas, were transported there by McCallop and Rucker Bus Service, two African American owned companies. Other students who lived too far to walk were given two bus tokens at the end of the school day; one to get home and one to return to school the following morning.
The first principal of Northeast Junior High School from 1923-1929, was J.P. King. The second principal was Joseph H. Collins, who served as principal for twenty-nine years, longer than any other person. The faculty at Northeast Junior were outstanding and dedicated during the years of its existence.
Northeast Jr. High School was the only Junior High School in Kansas City, Kansas that had a membership charter for the National Jr. Honor Society. Charter #31 was issued to Northeast in 1931. Also, Northeast was the first Junior High School in the city to have a chapter in the Future Teachers of America, (F.T.A.). Rozella Caldwell Swisher sponsored this program. In 1938, a Hammond electric organ was purchased at the cost of $2,000 and became the only Junior High School with an organ in its auditorium. This organ was paid for by the citizens of the Northeast Community of Kansas City, Kansas.
The band at Northeast was always outstanding; Leon Brady was Band Director until he was transferred to Sumner High School. During his tenure, band uniforms were purchased by the proud, supportive residents of the Northeast Community of Kansas City, Kansas.
Northeast Junior High School held regular graduation ceremonies from 1923 to 1958. During this period,10,825 Black students received diplomas from Northeast Jr. High School. After 1958, students from the ninth grade were simply promoted to senior high school. (A History of Black Education in Kansas City, Kansas, Boone)
In addition to Joseph H, Collins, the following individuals also served as principals of Northeast Jr. High School: William W. Boone, Arnold Webb, and William C. Walker.
The school was closed as a result of a mandate issued by the District Court in 1977.

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