Isabella Butler Wyche  was a pioneering African American educator and community leader in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born in Salem, Forsyth County, she began her teaching career at the young age of 13 and later graduated from Scotia Seminary in Concord, a prominent institution for African American women educators. She earned a Master of Pedagogy degree from Biddle University (now Johnson C. Smith University) . In 1886, Wyche became the founding principal of the Myers Street School, Charlotte’s first public school built specifically for African American children. Under her leadership, the school grew to include approximately 16 teachers and over 1,000 students, becoming a model of effective school governance and instruction. She served as principal for 15 years until her death in 1906 . Wyche was married to Rev. Robert P. Wyche, pastor of the Seventh Street Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. She passed away on August 13, 1906, in Winston-Salem. Her funeral was held at the Seventh Street Presbyterian Church, and she was buried at Pinewood Cemetery in Charlotte . In recognition of her contributions to education, the Isabella Wyche Elementary School was established in Charlotte’s Third Ward community. The school served local children until 1960, when it was converted into administrative offices and eventually torn down .