History of Dothan Preparatory Academy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 31, 2025

Dothan Preparatory Academy is a high school located in Dothan, Alabama, USA. Its location is on U.S. Highway 231 inside Ross Clark Circle, approximately 1.5 miles north of the southern tip of Ross Clark Circle. The school district's boundaries roughly follow U.S. Highway 84, an east-west route through Dothan's center.

1911: Dothan High School Built

In 1911, Dothan High School was established on Burdeshaw Street to educate white students. It was considered one of the most modern high schools in Alabama at the time.

1912: Four-Year Curriculum Implemented

In 1912, Dothan High School expanded its curriculum to a four-year program, exceeding the state requirement of only three years of high school education.

1939: Central Section of New Facility Built

In 1939, the central section of the current Dothan High facility on South Oates Street was constructed.

1942: Original Building Demolished

In 1942, the original Dothan High School building on Burdeshaw Street was torn down. An elementary school named after Minnie T. Heard was subsequently built on the site.

1963: Choice Program Started

In 1963, Dothan High School began admitting some black students under a choice program, marking a shift from its previously whites-only policy.

1969: Immediate Integration Ordered

In the summer of 1969, a federal court mandated the immediate integration of Dothan's schools, leading to the transfer of students from Carver, a black school, to Dothan High in the fall of 1969.

2008: Segregation Consent Decree Removed

In 2008, the segregation consent decree was removed. It was noted that only 7% of teachers were black, less than the 11% when the decree was implemented, and less than the 18% black population percentage.