Our School
Founded in 1925, McKinley Elementary is found in the bungalow neighborhood of North Park in San Diego, and is a TK – 5 International Baccalaureate School.
Find out more information about McKinley Elementary School by visiting the district site here: https://www.mckinley.sandiegounified.org/
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Main Office Hours during the school year
M-F, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Bell Times
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday : 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Modified Day Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
8:20am Short bell rings – line up begins
8:25am Bell rings – all students should be lined up
8:30am Bell rings – all students should be at their desks
McKinley History
McKinley Elementary School was named for William McKinley, our 25th President. The school was built in 1924-25 and opened for classes on February 2, 1925. The original building was two stories and included thirteen classrooms, the administrative areas and one large room occupied by a branch of the public library.
The PTA unit was established in 1926 and Mrs. J.W. Goss was the first PTA president, and Dr. Jay Conner was the first principal.
Four more classrooms were built in 1928. During the early years of McKinley School the old cafeteria building and the Greek Bowl were added as part of the school facilities. In 1945, the cafeteria, kitchen and auditorium complex plus two additional classrooms were built.
In 1950, five of the original teachers were still a valuable part of the staff and helped celebrate the school’s twenty-fifth anniversary.
In 1955, McKinley received its first bungalow to help take care of the growing enrollment. The number of bungalows grew to ten by 1972. In 1966, the old cafeteria building was removed, and in March 1973, the original two-story building was demolished to make room for a new earthquake proof building.
Richard John Lareau and Associates designed the new building with the loft-open space type classrooms adjacent to a large media center. The new McKinley School building once again opened its doors on April 24, 1975, after a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Architect – Richard John Lareau & Associates, Inc.
Project Architect – William A. Richardson
Chief Designer – Herman Zillgens
Contractor – Art A. Gussa, Inc.
Dedication Committee
Mrs. Helen Austin, retired teacher 1974
Mrs. Viola de Noyer, retired teacher 1969
At McKinley Elementary, Proposition MM funded: a new ten classroom building to replace nine old bungalows; a new lunch court shelter; restructuring of twelve loft classrooms to eight larger primary classrooms; technology infrastructure; moving and refurbishing of five bungalows; improved access for the physically handicapped; campus wide improvements of carpeting, interior painting; landscaping and restroom facilities. The dedication of the new classroom building and lunch court was held Thursday, April 7, 2005.
What is the IB Program
McKinley Elementary is an accredited IB Primary Years Program. This means McKinley is part of the IB worldwide organization that shares the commitment to quality international education. Teachers receive special training throughout the year to support the principles of the IB program and develop curriculum that is taught in schools worldwide. The community theme for all schools is “Sharing our Humanity.”
Description: The International Baccalaureate Program for the Primary Years focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework for curriculum and assessment that is guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas: language, mathematics, arts, science, personal, social and physical education, and social studies. There is a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning, which serves to accelerate and differentiate the curriculum for all learners. This depth and complexity of the core curriculum offers independence and exploration that serves as a challenge for our most gifted students.
The mission of the IB Program is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
As an IB World School, the IB program and mission statement form an umbrella that links all school and community activities at McKinley. Our goal is to continually develop and strengthen all aspects of our learning environment and school culture to reflect high-quality, rigorous, and challenging educational programs for our entire community.
The PTC supports the IB program by assisting with funding for music, Spanish and art programs, learning opportunities through field trips and assemblies, technology support, campus beautification and materials.
For more information about the IB program, please visit www.ibo.org. International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program