Old Arley School was the only two-room schoolhouse for miles around. Built in 1903, “The Big Room” was a two-story building with the Masons using the upper story, and “The Little Room” was a later addition. The basic studies were the three R’s and The Golden Rule. Teachers gave of time and talent beyond the call of duty, and the influence of the old school was felt around the world. Some graduates joined their fellows in World War I where they were dubbed “Those Fighting Devils from Alabama”. The first teacher is not known; the last were Dewey Mitchell, principal, and Nellie Fritz. In 1923 the school joined with others to form Meek School, the first consolidated school in the County.