Its opening occurred the same year 22 African American students integrated the all-white Warren County High School, which drew national media attention.

With a 15 acres (6.1 ha) campus overlooking Southtown, Criser High School provided education for African American students from the surrounding communities of Bentonville, Limeton, Guard Hill, Milldale, Bayard, Reliance, Riverton, Rockland and Happy Creek.

With an initial student population of over 300, African American instructors from various historically black colleges were recruited to make up its corp of teachers.

Appearing on Ted Mack's nationally known The Original Amateur Hour, she showed her proficiency playing the baritone horn.

Beyond their district, their competition included Page-Jackson High School of Charles Town, Douglass High School of Leesburg, Frederick Douglass of Leesburg, William C. Taylor of Warrenton, George Washington Carver of Culpeper, Luther P. Jackson of Merrifield, Hoffman-Boston of Arlington, Booker T. Washington of Staunton, Central Augusta of Staunton, and Jennie Dean of Manassas.