About > History

The History of McKinley School

From 1906 until 1931

McKinley school was located on Haley St. at Castillo. In 1931, the school was moved to new facilities on the ten acre Mesa campus site where it is today at 350 Loma Alta Drive, just across the street from Santa Barbara City College (SBCC).

1940-1950

During World War II (1940's), the front of McKinley School was converted into a Victory Garden. Children raised vegetables for their families because there wasn't lot of money.

The auditorium was used as a movie house . It showed movies and community dances were held there also. Admission money was used to help support McKinley School.

1950 - present

McKinley Elementary School, spectacularly situated overlooking the Santa Barbara coast, was refurbished and reopened in September 1986. The school serves  450 students in grades K-6 from the lower westside of the city. The name of the school comes from President William McKinley.