The college's history goes back to 1851 when it opened as a school of design.

It opened in September 1977 as a comprehensive school for boys and girls.

Over the years several other blocks were opened as the school expanded.

It opened in September 1955 as a secondary modern school.

It opened in September 1958 as a small secondary modern school.

Monroe opened as an elementary school in the early 1960s.

The school opened in the 1940s as a school for boys.

It opened in 1928 as the second high school in the city.

It was opened as an all-Negro high school in 1955.

The building remains largely unchanged since it was first opened as a school.