Originally called the Rugg Street School because of its location on the site where the Lee School was located, it became Langston high School and produced its first graduating class in 1910. Graduates were: Madge Mulholland, Myrtle Sweat, Henrietta Jenkins, Griffin Glover, Sonny Glover, Warren Shelton, Ernest English, Ida Johnson, Blanche Johnson, and Rosebud Powell.  Frank Long was principal at the time.

During the fire in 1913, the Rugg Street School and the Hot Springs High School were destroyed.  Rugg Street School held its classes in the basement of Visitor's Chapel A.M.E. Church and in an auditorium on Gulpha Street called the "Casino."

In 1914, a rather imposing fourteen room building was erected on Silver Street and was renamed Langston High School in honor of a prominent black United States Congressman, John Mercer Langston elected from the state of Virginia during the Reconstruction Period. 

Mr. Frank Long was still principal and the faculty was increased to nineteen members.  Those who left a lasting impression on the community during this period were: Mrs. Mattie Dove Young, Mrs. Lucy MacAdoo, Mrs. Nellie Eden, Mrs. Rosetta Graham, Mrs. Lucille Buchanan, and Mr. Milton Callaway.  Mr. Long was succeeded as principal by R.C. Barrow, J.H. McAllister, G.W. Ish, and Percy Goldstein after whom the present Goldstein School was named.

After Mr. Goldstein's death, Coy Carr, a nephew of Judge J.C. Carr, became principal.  He was followed by Edwin Bayliss, French J. Hicks followed Bayliss as principal in 1941.  Although Langston never had more than 250 students in the senior high school, the values of courage, loyalty, and preparation were instilled to the extent that the school became know throughout this section of the country for its prowess in forensics, music, drama, and athletics.  The name Langston Bulldogs demanded respect throughout this region.

In 1941, Mr. H.A. Henderson followed French Hicks as principal.  In 1949, the intermediate grades were transferred to Goldstein School and Langston become a junior-senior high school.  In 1950, Langston was accredited by the North Central Association, thereby becoming the third black school in Arkansas to be so recognized by perhaps the most respected acrediting agency in America.

In 1964, Langston again entered a new modernly equipped building, this time facing Chestnut Street.  In the minds of most people, this was a signal for a new era in the story of Langston.  This was true, but in a different direction to what was anticipated.  Progress dictated that Langston in 1968 should become a junior high school and Mrs. Johnnie B. Henderson would become principal in 1969.  Mr. Henderson moved to an administrative position and remained there until his retirement.