Middleton High School

What if I told you that Middleton High School wasn’t always at this location? It’s true. Middleton High School, the first high school for African Americans in Hillsborough County, originally opened its doors in 1934 on 24th and Chelsea Streets in East Tampa. This school was a beacon of hope during the segregation era, providing quality education to Black students who were denied access to white schools. The original building, designed by renowned Tampa architect M. Leo Elliott, stood as a testament to the community’s commitment to education. Sadly, tragedy struck in 1940 when a fire destroyed the school. It was rebuilt through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). However, fate dealt another blow in 1968 when a second fire ravaged the building. As desegregation efforts gained momentum, Middleton High School was repurposed as a junior high school in 1971. It was renamed A.J. Ferrell Middle School of Technology in 2000. But the spirit of Middleton High School lived on. In 2002, after a tireless campaign by alumni and community members, Middleton High School was reborn at this very site. The new facility, a symbol of resilience and progress, stands as a reminder of the school’s enduring legacy.