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Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School Grant School is a math science magnet school. The students focus on math, science, and technology. They come from the Mission Hills neighborhood and other areas around San Diego. The original Ulysses S. Grant School opened in 1914. A temporary wood structure built by Kate Sessions in 1917 was used as a kindergarten room. A large addition was added in 1921 and formed an irregular shaped U. The main floor had 16 classrooms, an office, restrooms, and an auditorium. The playground wasn’t large enough so they had to use the unused Protestant section of Calvary Cemetery as a playground. The basement had the cafeteria, the library, a bicycle room, a furnace room, and a storage room. The permanent building had beautiful mission style walls and wonderful French style doors. The walls and entrance were later changed to a simpler design.
Original Building is Demolished A California State law, the Field Act, was passed in 1933. It required schools to meet earthquake safety standards. Grant school was inspected and every building, except for the kindergarten building which was built in 1956, was not earthquake safe. They were going to repair the buildings, but it was too expensive. In 1973, the decision was made to demolish everything, except the kindergarten building. Decisions about the new building were made by Grant School Citizens Advisory Committee and the School District Staff. The new building opened in 1974. It was designed by architect Fred Johnson. The school was built on 3 levels, there was a lot of open space, and it was carpeted. There was a media library center and loft classrooms. They wanted to keep the mission style building with red roofs. Eventually, the school wasn’t large enough so they moved in bungalows. In 2002, a new brick building was built to replace 7 bungalows. It is 2 stories high and is multicolored. It is carpeted, but the brick style doesn’t match the old style. Grant Becomes a Magnet School Another big change in Grant school was when it became a magnet school. Dona Keenan, the principal at that time, realized the school population was going down and Grant might be closed. There were already successful magnet schools in the district and she thought it was a great way to attract more students. Planning for becoming a magnet school took almost a year and Grant became one in 1981. Enrollment went up and Grant has been a magnet school ever since. The purpose of magnet schools is to bring students from other communities and to focus on special subjects. Grant School’s magnet program continues to be successful. by Kelley Contact us: |
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