Records indicate that "the Colored School" was among the first schools named--it is assumed this school was the beginning of Dunbar School.

As a result of integration in 1955, Shawnee began implementing its integration program at the high school level in 1956. High school students at Dunbar were given the option of transferring as a group to Shawnee High School. Some transferred immediately, while others chose to remain at Dunbar until their transfer was mandatory and the high school segment was abolished. The class of 1957 was the last to graduate from Dunbar. 

The first principal of the school was Mr. N.J. Ceasar, who served from 1917 to 1929. He was succeeded by Mr. C.J. Hargrove, who served from 1929 to 1931. The third principal was Mr. Emmanuel M. Watson Sr., who served from 1931 to 1950. He retired in 1951, and was succeeded by Mr. George O. Word. It was during his administration that the "Separate but Equal" education system was subject to severe criticism. By the late 1950s, segregated schools in the state began to wand and integration was the order of the day. 

As the high school students went, so went an integral part of the faculty. Several teachers were placed in schools within the city, while others relocated in other cities. Mr. Word remained principal at Dunbar Elementary School from 1957 to 1966. 

The scope of Dunbar continued the diminishing trend from union high, elementary, kindergarten, to head start, where it remained for several years. Finally, in May 1974, Dunbar succumbed to the heavy equipment of demolition crews, bringing to an end the era of institution where many scholars passed. (taken in part from The Shawnee New-Star, Aug 2, 2007).