History

Our first school, known as Kelso School, was located near the Center Star Cemetery. In 1892, Kelso School was moved to a new location near what is now Mantachie Methodist Church to become Mantachie School. This “new school house” was a two-story, wood-frame building with wood-burning heaters and large swinging kerosene lamps. Students spent their days in homemade wooden desks, which were fastened together in rows so the desks could not be moved.

In 1916, Mantachie School was the only affiliated high school in the county. According to the Itawamba County News on February 15, 1917, “Mantachie has Itawamba’s largest school with energetic boys and girls and enthusiastic patrons.” During this time, several boarding students were enrolled in the school. These students came from all sections of Itawamba County to live in Mantachie during the school months. 

In 1925, a new consolidated school was built. In time, schools such as Fawn Grove, Barn’s School House, Friendship, Union View, Shiloh, Tombigbee, Centerville, and Ratliff were closed, and these students came to Mantachie. Mule-driven covered wagons transported children to the school. Mantachie School was open from four to six months a year. This time was divided between summer and winter school because most students were farm children who had to help plant and harvest crops. 

In 1949, the school grew to a junior high and built a lunchroom. Since then, Houston students have attended Mantachie School. Our school became a four-year accredited high school in August 1950 when the gym was built. Then, in the spring of 1951, Mantachie had its first high school graduation, which involved three students. 

The history of Mantachie Attendance Center dates back to the early 20th century when small, local schools served the community. The early educational institutions laid the groundwork for establishing a more formal school. The school has roots in the consolidation movement that swept through rural Mississippi in the mid-20th century. This movement sought to improve educational access and resources by combining smaller schools into larger, more efficient institutions. The formation of Mantachie Attendance Center likely occurred as part of such efforts to enhance educational opportunities. It provides a comprehensive educational experience for students, focusing on a well-rounded curriculum and promoting academic and personal development.

The school has played an essential role in the community by fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among students, parents, and residents. The school often hosts events, activities, and programs that unite the community, emphasizing the importance of education and parental involvement. Over the years, the school has developed various programs and extracurricular activities to enhance student learning and development. This includes arts, music, physical education, and multiple clubs that support student interests and talents. Today, the Mantachie Attendance Center remains dedicated to providing quality education to students in the Mantachie area. The school focuses on creating a nurturing environment that encourages academic excellence, character development, and community involvement.

 Mantachie Attendance Center has a rich history in sports, particularly in high school athletics. Mantachie Attendance Center has typically been competitive within its district, often participating in regional and state tournaments. The school's community support significantly fosters a solid athletic program, with local fans attending games and events frequently.

Facilities for sports have evolved over the years. The original gym is no longer standing. It was a wooden gym and had straw and hay for insulation. Over the years it aged and was condemned in the early 2010's. It was torn down and now a P.E. gym on the elementary side of the school sits in its place. In the late 1990's Itawamba County School District purchased the Mantachie Manufacturing across the street from the school and built the Correll for the basketball team to play in and it has stood there ever since. The Football Field has always been the same place as it is today although it has gone under many renovations. Originally the home side was on the East side but now is only the West Side in the last round of renovations and new bleachers in the 2010's. The baseball field was at the Mantachie Town Park where Carter Field is today, and the softball field was also in the town park where McFerrin Field is today. In the early 2000's land was donated to the schools and the school built new baseball and softball fields per what the land was donated for. The schools used the track that is behind the school. The original field house is the building that is in the student parking lot of the school today.

Student participation in sports has varied over the years. Some years there is more participation and some years there is not. The “hey day” for Mantachie athletics was the 70's-90's. During this time, we only had a few sports, but they were well represented and filled with the student body. In the last 15 years students don't participate in sports as much as they once did and this is likely due to the extended amount of extracurricular activities and clubs that are offered that appeal more to a diverse student interest. 

Mantachie is a town that supports the school's athletics. Whether it is traveling to away games to support their team or packing out home games, the people always show up. It shapes the small town of Mantachie because many of the local people have passed through the hallways during their youth. They remember what it is like to have the support of the town, and they in turn, return the support to the youth of the next generation. Mantachie is an athletic school and takes pride in winning, but they don't give up in defeat. There was a time in the 90's where the basketball team lost 88 straight games, but the fans still showed up to every game. In 2018 the football team went 0-11 but the stadium was full for every game. The people of Mantachie have always loved and supported the Mustangs and Lady Mustangs.

Mooreville School has been a heated rival since the beginning of the sports of but schools. This was due to the close proximity of the schools. In 2016 The Hester Family purchased a trophy called “The Battle for 371 Cup” for the 2 teams to play for each year at the annual football game.  Saltillo School was a rival in the 80's and 90's, It still is in baseball today. In some sports Itawamba AHS School is a rival in some sports but not all. Other than Mooreville one of the biggest rivals of all time is Smithville School especially in football.  In the last few years Hatley School and East Union School have become rivals.

We are proud of the value we bring to the Mantachie community and the Itawamba County School District. Our staff share a common goal of high-quality education and creating well-rounded citizens to build a strong community. Our goal is to provide a safe and intellectually challenging environment that will empower our students to become innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers, and inspired learners prepared to thrive in the twenty-first century. The MES staff works hard to personalize the educational experiences for each child to engage our students and make learning fun and meaningful. We celebrate all accomplishments as we strive to nurture confidence and build excitement within our students.

*Information contributed from article by Mrs. Ruth Sheffield