Paul Laurence Dunbar School

The Paul Laurence Dunbar School educated African American students in Laurel in grades 1-11 from 1921-1965. Constructed as part of philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont’s school rebuilding program, the Dunbar School replaced a small wood-framed school in West Laurel built in 1867. The new building was named for black poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and also served as a center for social activity in the West Laurel community. The school expanded in 1935 and 1955 by adding classrooms and a multipurpose room. The Laurel School District desegregated in 1965 and the Dunbar School continued to serve as an elementary school until it closed in 2018.