• 150th Anniversary Celebration

  • Celebrating our past, present, and future of inspiring students to achieve. Eighteen seventy-one through twenty twenty-one

  • One Hundred and Fifty Years!

    The 2021-2022 School year marked the 150th year of dedicated service to our communities. Visit our Past, Present, and Future sections of this page to learn more about our sesquicentennial.

      Past

      • Past

        December – January

        150 Years Overview

        Our history is rooted deep into the Arizona Territory, and the need for a funded public school system became reality when a school bill made its way through the Legislative Assembly of 1871. Read more about our humble beginnings and our rich history.

        A Brief History of Phoenix #1

        What Does 150 Years Look Like

        From a one-room classroom located in the county courtroom, to a district now serving students in the fifth largest city in the nation, view our journey through this historic timeline and fun facts.

        Phoenix #1 Timeline & Fun Facts

        Add What You Know!

        Do you have a favorite story, memory, teacher or photo? What was your favorite lunch? Did you marry your grade-school crush? How did Phoenix Elementary help to change your life? We’d love to hear and feature your favorite memories! Stories and memorabilia are added to the website, blog, and social media regularly. Help us celebrate our past by submitting your stories, pictures, timeline additions, and fun facts!

        Storytellers Form

        Join the Conversation

        Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest scoop on our 150th celebration. Each week we will share photos, stories, and fun facts, events, and opportunities. Don’t miss out on the sesquicentennial conversation!

        Facebook ConversationInstagram Conversation

        Read About the Footprint

        As the city of Phoenix evolved and grew in population, Phoenix Elementary expanded its footprint throughout the downtown area. View the origins and history of our schools and buildings through this School Locations Guide.

        View Interactive Map

        150th Blog

        Follow our blog for history highlights, throwback photos, memorable moments and blasts from the past from your online conversations. Join the fun as we take a trip down memory lane.

        Visit 150th Blog

      Present

      • Present

        February – March

        Get to Know Our Current Schools

        As the city of Phoenix evolved and grew in population, Phoenix Elementary expanded its footprint throughout the downtown area. View the origins and history of our schools and buildings through this interactive School Locations Guide.

        Save the Date: January 28th

        Join us January 28th as we highlight 150 years live at Phoenix Elementary School District’s Emerson Court. More details to come!

      Future

      • Future

        Coming soon!

      What's Happening

      •  The Phoenix Gazette newspaper shows a photo of the class of 1871

        Welcome to Our Blog

        We are excited to celebrate a huge milestone for Phoenix Elementary School District #1. It’s our 150th Anniversary! The very first class in our district was back in 1871...

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      • Students from all 15 schools form a giant 150 on Kenilworth field

        Students Come Together to Celebrate

        Students across the district are excited to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our district and wanted to come together for a special photo. Ten deserving students from each of our 15 schools gathered recently...

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      • Extended Celebration Is in Order

        The district’s anniversary is not just a one-day celebration. Thanks to a group of dedicated staff and volunteers, our 150th anniversary will span the next few months with festivities...

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