Prichard Preparatory School grew out of Pure Word Academy which was started by Ruby Eldridge, Pastor of Pure Word Ministries. Having watched the transformation that her grandson had undergone while attending UMS-Wright Preparatory School, followed by his success at Spring Hill College, Miss Ruby knew there were other children just like him living in Prichard who could benefit from the type of education he had received. With a dream but no money, in August of 2005, she started Pure Word Academy using her church's facilities which are located in a poverty area in North Mobile County. For multiple reasons, the first couple of years were very difficult. However, during the fall of 2007, with help from local business leaders, a business plan was developed. After several revisions, the plan called for sweeping changes which were carried out in the 2009-2010 school year. The plans for the reorganized school called for it to eventually become a fully accredited independent elementary school preparing students to feed into Mobile's college preparatory schools. Past experience has shown that minority students graduating from these schools have excellent chances of acceptance into our nation's best colleges and universities. The hope is that in years to come Prichard Prep students will leverage upon both their high school and college education and friendships and become leaders in their respective fields. Further, it is hoped they will return to our community working to make it a better place to live.