Bryson High School

Maroon and Gold Hurricanes

Greenville County, SC

1954 - 1970

The Legacy of Education & Excellence in Greenville County

In 1868, the South Carolina General Assembly established a statewide public education system led by a Superintendent of Education, while giving counties local control through elected commissioners and school trustees. This helped shape the future of public education in Greenville County.

Even before this legislation, Black citizens in Greenville County were already creating opportunities for their children. Around 1866, Reverend Charles Hopkins led efforts to establish one of the first private schools for Black children in the area. With support from both Black and white residents, he raised funds, purchased an unused army storehouse, and transformed it into a school that eventually served nearly 300 students. This school is believed to have later become Allen Elementary School.

By 1878, Greenville County’s school system had grown to 136 schools serving thousands of students, reflecting the community’s commitment to education and progress.

Following studies on educational needs in Greenville County, plans were developed to build new high schools for African American students outside the city limits. One of those schools would serve the lower part of the county.

After reviewing several locations, the county selected a site along Highway 14 between Simpsonville and Fountain Inn in what became known as the Golden Strip. The school was named for Joseph Raleigh Bryson.

Bryson High School opened on September 3, 1954, enrolling 567 students in grades 7 through 12. It combined several smaller schools in the region and quickly became a cornerstone of education and pride for the surrounding Black communities.

A School Built for Greatness

Bryson High featured modern facilities for its time, including:

Gymnasium
Auditorium
Library
Cafeteria
Science labs
Business lab
Home economics labs
Vocational and industrial training areas

Its mascot was the Hurricane, and its student newspaper was The Hurricane Times.

Leadership of Dr. A.M. Anderson

Dr. A.M. Anderson served as principal throughout the school’s entire 14.5-year history. Known affectionately as “Chief,” “Prof,” and “Dr. Anderson,” he inspired students and faculty to pursue excellence.

Under his leadership, graduates became teachers, principals, doctors, lawyers, military leaders, ministers, musicians, and business professionals. Many former staff members also advanced into major leadership roles throughout Greenville County Schools.

Legacy Through Change

During segregation, Bryson High stood as a symbol of excellence, discipline, faith, and achievement. The school graduated more than 1,000 students and helped shape generations of leaders.

Following the Civil Rights Movement and court-ordered desegregation, Bryson High ceased operating as a high school in 1970. Students were reassigned to other schools, while the Class of 1970 became the final graduating class.

Today, the campus remains a middle school, but the spirit of Joseph R. Bryson High School lives on through its alumni, its legacy, and the Piedmont Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Why This Story Matters

Bryson High School represents more than a building—it represents perseverance, pride, educational excellence, and the power of community. Its legacy remains permanently written into the history of Greenville County and is operating as Bryson Middle School in Simpsonville, SC