School History

Southmayd Elementary School in Houston, Texas, is named after Joanna Kent Southmayd, who is recognized as the first teacher in the Harrisburg area (now part of Houston). The school was established by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in 1936 to honor her pioneering role in education. Joanna and her husband, Daniel, were Christian missionaries who arrived in Texas in the 1830s. They established a church and school in the Harrisburg area but were forced to flee before the Battle of San Jacinto and returned to find their buildings burned. Despite the hardships, they stayed and continued their work. 

Southmayd Elementary School was originally located near the site of Joanna Southmayd's one-room schoolhouse. The school has undergone renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of a new library and multi-purpose building. It is situated in an urban area south of downtown Houston and serves students in grades first through fifth. The school is committed to providing a challenging and supportive learning environment for all students.