Founded in 1909, Piney Woods Country Life School is one of five historically Black boarding schools left in the United States. The school was founded by Dr. Laurence C. Jones an Iowan who came to the South with the goal of educating indigent Black farmers and their children. Piney Woods is located 21 miles southeast of Jackson, Mississippi.

Today, Piney Woods School's student body of 300 is composed of seventh through twelfth graders from throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands, and two African nations. The school's mission is to provide excellence in education within a Christian Community through the creation of an exceptional academic model which supports the tenet that all students can learn, develop a strong work ethic, and lead extraordinary lives through academic achievement and responsible citizenship.

For students, then and now, it has been a chance to achieve a piece of the American dream. Piney Woods is on the cutting edge of educating youths in this country. The majority of Piney Woods students come from struggling, single-parent homes. Their lack of academic focus shapes their ambition and world view. Most do not have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential due to financial reasons or other barriers beyond their control. They come to Piney Woods "at risk" of personal, social, and academic failure. Yet nearly all of Piney Woods' graduates go on to attend some of the best colleges and universities in the nation.

Piney Woods has many historic, informal ties with the Congregational Churches. It is, and has always been, supported by churches financially and spiritually.

I want to make a contribution to the work of this mission!