Avalon’s first school was established by Mrs. Sophie Wheeler in 1888. This private school initially held classes in a home on Metropole Avenue, but later moved to the Congregational Church, where Island students were educated for the next five years under the direction of Mrs. Matilda Parker Morris.
Avalon’s first school was established by Mrs. Sophie Wheeler in 1888. This private school initially held classes in a home on Metropole Avenue, but later moved to the Congregational Church, where Island students were educated for the next five years under the direction of Mrs. Matilda Parker Morris.
A two-room public school was built on Whittley Avenue in 1901 and 59 students attended class during that first year. Grades one to four were taught in one room while grades five to eight were taught in the other. Once students reached high school they would have to attend school on the mainland.
Each year the enrollment for Avalon School increased.
By 1923 the school became an official part of the Long Beach City School system and a full four-year high school course was organized.
The high school commenced classes in the fall of 1923 in the Sugarloaf Casino.
In 1925 a bond issue was unanimously passed to erect a new school building on the Island. William Wrigley Jr. donated several acres of land in Avalon Canyon for the building site. By 1930 the high school, elementary school, and a library were in place.
The school buildings were later damaged in the Long Beach earthquake of 1933 and were closed for retrofitting. For two years classes were held in tents and the entire school was housed in 10 tents.
By the spring of 1936, the main buildings were re-dedicated and occupied. The shop and gymnasium buildings were reopened in 1937 completing the reconstruction of the school facilities.
Over the years, the school continued to grow to accommodate the increasing number of students and today about 650 students attend Avalon Schools. Yet, the school has maintained its small size and sense of community.
Most students and alumni believe that the most unique aspect of Avalon Schools is its small size and the ability to attend school with your friends from kindergarten through high school.
Avalon Schools are a vital part of the community as its educator and the common thread among our students, parents, alumni, friends and neighbors.
