It originally served primary through eighth grades but was later expanded to include high school as well.

The school was named in honor of Rabbi Judah Wechsler of Congregation Beth Israel, who had led and inspired Meridian public to approve a bond issue to raise money for construction of the school.

The school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 and designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1993.

The first public school for African Americans in the city was held in facilities rented from St. Paul Methodist Church.

The utilitarian style addition included four classrooms, an auditorium, stage, cafeteria, teachers' rooms, and showers.

[1] In 1994 the school board deeded the building to the Wechsler Community Art Center Association.

The association hosted dances and parties catered to teens as fundraisers in the late-1990s and early 21st century.

The association has a multi-year plan to renovate the building for an art center and extended community use.

Though the building was not completed until 1894, the construction bond passed in 1888, and the first principal was selected to manage the planning for the school.