Lee Academy
973 Highway 243
Marianna, AR 72360
870-295-3444
A Proud Tradition of Excellence
About our School
Founded in February 1969, Lee Academy began classes in September of that year in a former residence on Tennessee Street with two teachers, two grades , and sixteen students. An increase in enrollment the next year necessitated an expansion of classroom space with the addition of the former Marianna Motor Co. on Chestnut Street-the North Campus-for grades five through nine with grades one through four attending classes on Tennessee Street-South Campus.
In 1971 Lee Academy moved to its current location on Highway 243 on land donated by W.H. Gerrard. Grades six through twelve started classes there in the fall with grades one through five from North Campus moving in at semester upon the completion of elementary rooms and gymnasium. Prior to that, basketball practices and games were held at Carver Gym (Highway 79 near the Moro turn off). In rainy weather a tractor was frequently needed to pull out vehicles stuck in the mud surrounding the old gym.
In 1971 Lee Academy moved to its current location on Highway 243 on land donated by W.H. Gerrard. Grades six through twelve started classes there in the fall with grades one through five from North Campus moving in at semester upon the completion of elementary rooms and gymnasium. Prior to that, basketball practices and games were held at Carver Gym (Highway 79 near the Moro turn off). In rainy weather a tractor was frequently needed to pull out vehicles stuck in the mud surrounding the old gym. Timely development of a football field had allowed the Cougars to play at home, and the addition of lights moved games from afternoon to night. Jimmy Jones, Garland Allen, and Bill Baines were the coaches. To quote the Pawprint (the school's yearbook): "The team's success is the story of a college graduate, a milkman, and a farmer having one of the best coached football teams in the district."
In May of 1971, the twenty-seven seniors of the first graduating class received diplomas in a ceremony on the football field. Mrs. Margaret Stubblefield played the marches on the piano on the bed of a pick-up truck. Dr Jessamine Gist delivered the address.
The senior class of 1976 designed the school's emblem: an overlapping L and A the symbol that distinguishes the Academy; a cotton boll on the upper right side that proudly represents our agricultural heritage; the center torch that reminds us that it is our honor to keep the flames of education burning; and the word Marianna holds the center position above the cougar, our mascot and the symbol of Lee Academy's active athletic program. The rendering of the design, Pride-Honor-Spirit was done by James Armstrong, a 1976 senior.
Banners lining the gymnasium walls attest to the early and continuing success of the athletic programs in football, basketball, baseball, and track despite competition against much larger schools. Likewise, Lee Academy students compete successfully in academic contests. In the Mississippi Private School Association's yearly Academic Betterment Competition, Lee Academy students consistently win high placement honors, again doing so against larger academies.
Academic superiority is also reflected in the success Lee Academy students have achieved in institutes of higher learning: student body president, student government officers, and leaders in social organizations. Graduates have also become prominent in all aspects of business, social and international law, in the military, and in the broad range of medical professions.
Lee Academy continues to upgrade its academic programs as well as improve its physical facilities. In the summer of 2003, the school underwent extensive renovations which included a new computer lab, paving the parking lot, new elementary bathrooms, new kitchen, and the addition of a new baseball field.
Lee Academy maintains its dedication to academic excellence and sports participation through the committed leadership of the school board and administration, the unending encouragement of teachers, the unwavering efforts of parents and grandparents, and the extraordinary support of the community.
