History of Prescott High School
In 1867 the first public “Pioneers Schoolhouse '' in Prescott was built by Samuel Curtis Rogers- a small log cabin (at the cost of $250) at the corner of Granite and Carlton streets (near the current entrance to Prescott Mile High Middle School).
The old schoolhouse stood until it tragically burned to the ground in 1948. The Kiwanis Club built a replica in 1962 on the Sharlot Hall Museum grounds, commemorating the original schoolhouse.
In 1868, Prescott Unified School District #1 became the FIRST approved school district in the Arizona Territory.
The first school house became too small, and Governor Anson P.K. Safford saw the need to build a bigger and better school. By October 1876, the four-room brick building containing classrooms on the first floor and a large auditorium above was completed at a cost of $11,894.75. When completely furnished, the total came to more than $17,000. Named the Prescott Free Academy and built between Alarcon and Pleasant on Gurley Street. It was the Arizona Territory's first graded public school.
By the fall of 1878, the enrollment was 163, primary, intermediate, and High School aged students. The age ranged between six and twenty-one years.
The first commencement ceremony held for graduating high school students was held in 1903 and between 1903 and 1911, 40 graduates had graduated from Prescott High School.
By 1903, the school had become outgrown, and there was a need for a larger school. In September of 1903, the first elementary school building, Washington School, was opened to all of Prescott's students from kindergarten through eighth grade at a cost of $53,000.
In 1904, Prescott High School was moved to East Gurley Street between Alarcon and Marina Streets to the old red brick building which used to house the old Territorial Legislature and Prescott City Hall. It was remodeled for use as a high school.
In 1914, it was demolished and a new high school was constructed at the same location. The new high school was described as "splendid". However, by 1930, this site also became too small for the number of students, so in 1931 a junior high school was added on the east and south sides of the block.
In 1939, as part of President Roosevelt’s WPA projects three original buildings were constructed of solid, enduring materials and Prescott High School was moved to the current location of Prescott Mile High Middle School.
In the fall of 1966, a new “Home of the Badgers” was erected at 1050 N. Ruth St. The new campus boasted a round Dome and large football field.
Over the years, the campus has added several additional spaces including a major hallway (500 hall), Career and Technical classrooms, the Ruth St. Theater in 1992 and additional athletic venues and upgrades.
The start of the 2024 school year marks the 122nd class of seniors and the 58th year at our current site. As Prescott High School continues its rich tradition of excellence, we pride ourselves on providing the most comprehensive public school experience in Yavapai County boasting more Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, CTE classes, JROTC, and extracurricular opportunities than any school in Yavapai County.