School History

Destined to educate, Mary Jane Sims was born on February 26, 1874, right outside Austin, in the city of Round Rock. She started teaching at 16 years of age. It was clear that she would be a great educator. Bastrop County school for black children was the school that launched her career. Eventually she taught all over Texas, from Galveston to Temple to Prairie View State Normal School. Everywhere she went she was known for improving kids’ reading skills. She was recognized for her great efforts and was chosen to be the first black supervisor of primary reading for elementary schools. Mrs. Sims wrote books for children as well as popular music. Here in Austin, she organized a preschool nursery at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church. It was the first nursery school for Black children in this city. She died in 1950, but she helped out so many children, especially in the East Side of Austin. In 1956 the community of East Austin suggested that our school be named after this great educator and author… Mary Jane Sims.

Our Mission Statement

Preparing scholars to be global citizens.