History of Wilson Middle School

The school was known as Third Street Intermediate School when it first opened in 1911, located
on the parking lot of what today is the district Administration Center. In those days
Wilson Avenue was called Third Street.

On of the school's first principals was Richardson D. White, as in today's R.D. White Elementary School.
White was later district superintendent.

Originally, Third Street School accommodated only seventh and eighth graders in a two story brick structure
with six classrooms and an auditorium. Later, eight classrooms were added.

In 1913, Third Street was renamed Wilson Avenue by the City of Glendale. Thus, the name of the school was
changed accordingly.

In 1926, the Board of Education decided to rename the campus after former President Woodrow Wilson, who had died
two years prior.

In 1932, a ninth grade was added to the school, prompting a change in title
(from "Intermediate School" to "Junior High School") and in location. The student body moved
to the campus of Glendale High at Verdugo Road and Broadway (currently where the softball field and
tennis courts are located). The former Wilson site became the District Headquarters.

There, Wilson shared the GHS facility for 23 years until a new school was constructed on Monterey Road
in 1955 - strictly as a junior high.

In 1988, Wilson Junior High School earned the CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL AWARD from the California Department of Education. This award recognizes the academic achievement and improvement of students. Principal Jim Isenman accepted the award at a special presentation in Sacramento.

In 1990, Wilson Junior High was re-awarded the CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL AWARD for its continuing excellence in academic achievement.

In 1995, the last ninth grade class was graduated from Wilson Junior High School as the Board of Education moved all
ninth graders to the high school campuses.

In 1996, the name of Wilson Junior High was changed to Wilson Middle School reflecting the fact that the
school housed just seventh and eighth graders again.

In 2002, Wilson Middle School began a "pilot program" of having sixth graders on our campus for the first time in the history
of the school . 62 sixth graders started that
year, and the "pilot" program has lasted ever since.

Wilson underwent a major modernization (Measure K) beginning in February of 2005 and ending in August of 2006. Each classroom had its electrical capacity upgraded. The entire campus was "wired" and connected to the world wide web. Each classroom had its environment updated with brand new heating and air conditioning systems.

In 2007, Wilson Middle School took on 90 6th Graders from John Marshall Elementary as they went from a K-6 school to a K-5 school. Wilson now has close to 200 6th Graders on the campus.

In 2008, Wilson Middle School took on 95 plus 6th Graders from R.D. White Elementary as they transitioned from a year-round campus to a traditional calendar campus. Wilson now has close to 300 6th Graders on campus. Wilson's enrollment is close to 1,300 students in 6,7,8th Grades.

In 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 was awarded the California Department of Educations' Title 1 Academic Achievement Award. This award is given to schools whose Title 1 students demonstrate improved academic achievement from one year to the next. Principal Richard Lucas accepted the awards from California State School Superintendent Jack O'Connell.

Woodrow Wilson Middle School is 98 years old.