Arizona Then and Now: Evolution of a school

Arizona is still a young state, having just celebrated its centennial in 2012.

Schools were among the first institutions established in the new state, and they quickly became centers for activity in the communities that built them. That remains true in the modern cities of Arizona, and in a few cases, those original structures still fill that role.

Some of the Valley's oldest schools, such as the Dunbar (built in 1925) and Kenilworth (built in 1920) schools in Phoenix are still serving students. Others, such as the original Gilbert Elementary (built in 1913) and Gilbert High (1919) schools are functioning in other capacities.

Another of the Valley's oldest schools, Chandler High School, has maintained a rich history while evolving into one of the largest campuses in the area.

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Chandler High School opened in 1921, even while construction on parts of the building continued for another year. Much of the original structure, considered something of a marvel at the time it was built, is still used as part of a much larger school for a much larger city.

Before the construction of the school, high school-level classes were held starting in 1914 in a variety of places in Chandler, including churches, downtown businesses such as the San Marcos Hotel and the Chandler Grammar School.

The school’s first freshman class in 1914 consisted of 19 students and its first graduating class in 1918 had three members. The 1922 graduating class, the first to have used the new high school, had 12 members.

In contrast, Chandler High currently has an enrollment of 3,100 students and is one of five high schools in the Chandler Unified School District. In 2016, the school graduated 763 students.

Though the original building is still in use, Chandler High is much larger than “Old Main.”

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The school has grown considerably to accommodate more students and changing times. The campus expanded from 40 acres to 60. Recent additions to the school include the Gail T. Gaddis Career and Technical Education Center, an Olympic-size swimming pool, new locker rooms and facade for the gym, more athletic fields, tennis courts and parking.

The original school building and gym are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information, visit ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/CHS.

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