Early Black education in West Virginia grew through a mix of self-help, support from the Freedmen’s Bureau, missionary groups, and public officials. The first Black school, Sumner School, opened in Parkersburg in 1862. By 1868, Black schools existed in 18 communities, often held in homes or churches. A big challenge was finding teachers. At first, they came from other states, but Storer College began training Black teachers in 1865. Later, West Virginia State and Bluefield State also helped train teachers and offer secondary education. As more Black families moved into the state, laws made it easier to open schools. By 1924, there were 453 Black schools across West Virginia. Schools would not be fully integrated until the 1960s.