School History

School History

The early twentieth century saw the rapid change in Houston from a sleepy antebellum town to a thriving, bustling port city. By the 1920s, Houston had become the nation's leading exporter of cotton. Along with this growth came increased population and greater demand for schools. Originally called Johnston Junior High, the school opened in 1926 on a ten-acre wooded block of land. Initially, 652 pupils were taught by 20 faculty members in 32 classrooms. The first principal was Mr. Moreland, who would later become superintendent of Schools for all of Houston. Population pressures developed during the post-World War II "baby boom," leading to the construction of more schools, primarily in the outlying suburbs.

A new Johnston Middle School opened in September 1959 to serve the Meyerland/Westbury area of southwest Houston. "Old" Johnston became Miller Junior High, and the new building took the former's name, school song, colors, and mascot.

As was the case in "Old" Johnston, a reputation for winning followed the other "New" Johnston. Some of Johnston's greatest successes were in the Fine Arts. Music has always been an integral part of the school and can still be heard throughout the building.

In 1985, Johnston became a magnet school for the performing arts. Magnet courses included beginning, intermediate and advanced art, broadcast journalism, theater arts, dance, band, jazz band, choral music, orchestra, guitar, piano, mariachi, and handbells. All the groups went on to win city, state, and national honors.

In 1991, Johnston Middle School was chosen by Governor Ann Richards as a school of excellence. To qualify, Johnston students had to score in the top five percent in standardized tests given to all Texas middle school students.

In 2010, the US Department of Education named Johnston a Blue Ribbon School. This award is the highest honor an American school (whether public or private) can achieve.

In 2016, Johnston's name was changed to Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School to reflect our school's community better.