It began as a private seminary in 1898 and became part of the Alabama Community College System in 1967.

[5] Snead began in 1898 as a grade school for girls in the house of its founder, Anna D. Elder.

Oversight of the school was transferred to the state conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church later that year.

By 1901, enrollment necessitated the construction of a separate building, allowing the addition of a high school.

In 1906, local businessman John H. Snead donated land and money to the school, and it was renamed in his honor.