Males and females in a school together needed a special assurance to parents of would-be students, because the previous schools in Columbia were the "girls' schools" - in the original brick building of the Methodist Church on Guardian Street (no longer existing) and in the Field House.

Boys attended the 'Academy', a building that became the house where Wanda Hill lived. A different curriculum existed for males and females. The name - Male and Female - is an indication that girls could be educated as well as boys - advanced thinking for that time.

Presbyterians were especially involved in education as evidenced by names of men who served in the school. There was no provided transportation to school and some students stayed with in-town residents. Being a subscription school meant payment was required to attend. That requirement eliminated children whose parents could not afford a payment. Children of color were excluded.

OH yes - there was a foreign language taught - it was Norwegian!!! That's information given at the time of the marker dedication. You had to be there.