HISTORY OF VANCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Vance Middle School was previously a junior high school with grades seven through nine. It is located at 673
Vance Avenue in the heart of the downtown Memphis area, in which the traditional inner city middle school
serves grades sixth through eighth. Originally, its doors opened in October of 1971, on land that had
formerly housed Owen College which later merged with LeMoyne College to become LeMoyne-Owen
College. It is the only middle school in the area that serves students as far as West of the Mississippi River,
as far East as Interstate 240, as far North as Linden Street and as far South as McLemore Street.
Vance Middle School is an urban educational center in which it serves a predominantly African-American
population whose need for quality education for youth, parent involvement, and civic leadership pride is
admirably satisfied throughout its historical productions of prominent Memphians.
The school’s architecture has a very unique design. The spacious three-level facility has accommodations
both inside and out for the handicapped. Its immense auditorium seats over 900 people. A state of the art
library which includes conference rooms, offices, and storage areas. There are two multifunctional computer
labs which serves the entire school population. An immaculate science lab for intense scientific experiments
and lab processes/procedures. Individual departments of core disciplines, such as mathematics, science,
English, history, and exploratory education are modernized with advanced materials and technological
equipment that provides students maximum opportunities to gain direct experience and insights. Teachers
are well-prepared and are trained in the latest techniques and instructional skills of high academic
achievement. A variety of learning styles and modes are incorporated into the daily lessons allowing for
individual differences in learning styles.
We are truly a site-based school which depends on the collaborative efforts of the administration, faculty,
staff, students, parents, and community in identifying and meeting the needs of the students. Higher order
thinking is emphasized and students are encouraged to be responsible for their own learning. We believe in
a holistic approach to education, in which our students are developed both academically and socially.
"Visionaries and Nurturers Committed to Excellence"