Known for its hospitality, preservation of tradition and signature accent, the South offers a rich history. However, such history contains unfortunate and dark events, specifically, a racist and discriminatory past. In 1954, after segregation in schools was ruled unconstitutional, segregation academies came into existence. These academies were private schools for white children, meant to be a loophole against the enforced integration occurring in public school systems. To many people in the South, segregation was part of their tradition, making it difficult for any law or rules to break this sense of ‘culture.’ 

During this time, these academies claimed their purpose was to create a sense of community within their faith that aligned with their beliefs. However, simply by looking at their demographics, it was clear that this was not the case. The typical population in these schools was 100% white, implying an underlying goal of segregation. Not only did these academies reinforce such, but they also took away economic resources from public schools as white parents were rapidly enrolling their children into private institutions. 

Well-known academies of the time include Wilcox Academy, Hampton Roads Academy, Heritage Academy and Indianola Academy. Wilcox Academy was located within a county in Alabama with a Black-dominant community, meaning that although it was a convenient option, rejection was the likely outcome. Even if Black students were not rejected, many of these academies would make sure the financial requirements for students to attend were not manageable for low-income households, to which many African American families belonged. 

Most of these academies are still open today. Some have made their student populations more diverse, but more often than not, others attempt to preserve a history of segregation. Some have turned into Catholic schools, still attempting to maintain a specific demographic. Although these schools cannot be as openly discriminatory as they were in the past, due to the 14th Amendment and typical societal beliefs or understandings, many of these ideals of forced segregation still linger. For example, more qualified teachers end up at these academies simply because they have access to more resources and typically receive better pay. The American University School of Education Online stresses the role that economic resources play in creating an effective staff. Due to the lack of funding for public schools, the quality of teachers in the public school system in the South has declined. Public schools in the South have struggled economically throughout the years due to the limitation of resources. A lack of resources can easily create an unhealthy or tense work environment, causing teachers to enter and exit the system on a frequent basis. When a school is unable to retain its teachers and create a sense of community or stability, the quality of education and focus of students may decrease.

Another piece that contributes to this continued sense of segregation is the names of the schools which have not been changed. This symbolizes continuity between the old segregation academies and the new schools, which should be inclusive. As many of these academies are specifically tied to white families — such as the last name Wilcox — which is known to be of English origin; it reflects the general racial roots of the students attending the school. Specifically in 2020, many schools across the country changed their names due to the fact that the figures after which they were named do not represent the values they wish to bring to their school. One vital example was Robert E. Lee High School in Virginia, which changed its name to John R. Lewis High School. They did this because Robert E. Lee played a role in fighting against the abolishment of slavery and wanted to sustain slavery. These changes in names have marked a time of change for the better, leaving segregation and racism in the past. So, the question remains, why can’t Southern academies follow suit? 

Adding on, school voucher programs have helped keep these academies running and ensured the demographic that these schools target are able to go there. Through this system, public funding is made available to parents who want their students to attend private schools. However, this takes away from the public school system’s resources. Millions of dollars over the years, which belong to the public, have been given to private schools on behalf of the students attending. This money also guarantees that these schools provide a higher level of education than public schools.

A higher budget can do a lot for education systems such as the number of staff members for student support, better facilities, and more tools or supplies for students. This difference in education level reinforces segregation within the community, as students graduating from academies rather than public schools are better off overall and tend to go on to pursue a higher education. This sets up private academy students for success; meanwhile, those at public schools are put at a disadvantage, possibly preventing them from achieving aspirations for the future. Although these schools are a great resource for those who are accepted, it becomes unfair when students’ capabilities are judged based on their skin color. The existence of these disparities in education further imposes stereotypes in society based on race and social class.

In addition, higher budgets allow schools to provide more extracurricular activity opportunities. Giving these programs the resources they need for students to excel in their clubs or sports is impacted as well. For example, private academies were able to build prestigious on campus fields, tracks and courts so students have a place close to them to practice and enhance their skills. Creating these teams gives students chances to improve as they play with different teammates, train under different coaches and compete against different levels of players. 

However, there were some positives to these academies, as they helped to set a standard for other private schools today. Some of the common goals include small classes for students who need plentiful resources, competitive academic environments and an opportunity for religion to be incorporated into learning. Many parents in the South were looking for these values in a school, despite the segregation, and these academies served as an alternative choice to public schools. Also, some of these schools became more inclusive over time, meaning that students of different demographics have access to an advanced education as well. One of the few benefits of these academies was that they advanced education in the South, even though the motivations were corrupt. The higher education for predominantly African Americans attending public schools was sacrificed for the sake of these academies. They were also meant as a way to avoid adopting integration and sticking with old habits.

It is important to acknowledge that the main motive for sending white children to private academies was founded on racial bias. The opportunities that opened up to white students by the private academies were only possible at the expense of public school funding and fair education for Black students.

Ultimately, these segregation academies have negatively impacted equal education opportunities in the South and prevented the surrounding areas from moving on from the past. Despite pieces that have been changed, the original values have stuck within Southern communities. Even if names are changed, little progress will be made if the history of these academies is ignored.