A newer seven-classroom facility was built circa 1956, and the older building was closed.
At the time Cook was one of two high schools for black children in portions of Pulaski County outside of the City of Little Rock.
Therefore, J. C. Cook reopened the original school building and hired four additional teachers.
Due to its size, the school was unable to accommodate all of the students from Mann.
[1] After desegregation the facility was converted into J.C. Cook Elementary School.