The school is significant in part because of its association with the education of African American students, beginning in 1933. From 1933 to 1957, it served as the main, but unofficial, secondary school for black students. Due in part to concerns from the black community, the School Board installed a number of Black teachers and administrators at Miller. However, in 1955, steps were taken to end the de facto segregation of the Detroit School system, and in 1957 the building was converted back into a middle school. It remained a middle school for 50 years and was closed in 2007.
