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About Us

History

Old school #39 was originally built in 1895 in a large field with farms surrounding it. It was later named after William McKinley, 25th President of the United States (1896-1901). When it was first built, it was considered a rural school. As Indianapolis grew, School #39 was an important part of the historical district known as Fountain Square. The old school was located at the corner of State Street and Lexington. William McKinley is currently located one block north of the old School #39 between Fletcher Avenue and Spann Avenue on State Avenue. It was built in 1988 and has since been remodeled.

Vision

William McKinley #39 Vision of Excellence:  William McKinley is a community of learners committed to providing every student with the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future. 

Core Beliefs

William McKinley #39 School Core Beliefs:

  • Student success is the only option
  • Academic rigor is the norm
  • Students, families and community members are essential partners
  • Diversity is valued

What Our School Offers

William McKinley is a PreK-6th grade Neighborhood School that provides a research-based curriculum in the core subject areas to ensure students have solid foundational skills.  In addition to preparing our students to be able to compete academically, we also strive to provide educational experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Some of our unique offerings are:

  • Outdoor Learning Lab that includes:
    • Amphitheater
    • Outdoor classroom with tables and benches
    • Beehive and master beekeeper
    • Chicken Coop
    • Orchard
    • Big Green Raised Garden Beds
  • Action-Based Learning (ABL) Class that focuses on practicing academic skills through movement
  • Integrated Arts and Music (IAM) Class that focuses on literacy skills through music and art