School Origins
(1901–1925)

The origins of what would become Clemmons School can be traced back to 1901, when Bishop J. Kenneth Pfohl recognized the need for a formal educational institution for local children, particularly those from farming families. He established the Moravian Farm Life School, a small but forward-thinking schoolhouse located just a few hundred yards southwest of the current Clemmons Moravian Church on Spangenburg Avenue.

The Moravian Farm Life School was more than a place to learn—it was a community cornerstone. It combined basic academics like reading, writing, and arithmetic with practical life skills that supported the area’s strong agricultural roots. Headmaster James F. Brower, a dedicated educator and leader, guided the school throughout its early years, shaping a curriculum that balanced traditional studies with vocational lessons suited to the needs of rural families.

By the early 1920s, as the population grew and educational standards evolved, the original schoolhouse could no longer meet the demands of the community. In response, the decision was made to construct a new, modern brick school building on Highway 158. In the spring of 1925, the Moravian Farm Life School officially relocated to its new home, ushering in a new chapter in Clemmons’ educational history. This transition marked not only the physical move to a larger facility but also the beginning of Clemmons School as a fully accredited institution prepared to offer a broader range of academics and opportunities to its students.