Our School Our Story
Our Story
Capturing the Past, Building the Future Video
Our Story
1990
The McGillis School was founded in 1990 as the Jewish Community Center Elementary School, an extension of the Salt Lake City Jewish Community Center preschool and kindergarten. The vision of the school began with a small group of parents who sought to continue the educational philosophy and Jewish-values-based education that their children had experienced at the JCC preschool.
2000
The Jewish Community Center Elementary School is renamed The McGillis JCC Elementary School in honor of Joanne and Richard McGillis, for their support of the school. After being housed at the Kol Ami Synagogue for eight years, the school moves to the old Jewish Community Center building on 1700 South in 2001. Over 12 years, the school grows from one class of twelve students to six classes of 110 students
2002
With the increasing success of the elementary school, the McGillis School community makes plans for future growth. In the spring of 2002, the school gains 501(c)3 status, incorporates, and becomes an independent entity called The McGillis School.On December 7, 2002, The McGillis School purchases the historic Douglas School. The McGillis School, completely renovated and seismically retrofitted by Eckman Mitchell Construction, opens its doors to students on September 1, 2003. Named for its primary benefactors, The Joanne and Richard McGillis School begins the 2003-2004 school year with 129 students in grades one through seven.
2004-2005
The school begins to double the number of classes beginning with the addition of a second first grade class. The first class of eighth grade students graduates from The McGillis School in 2005. The school becomes a candidate member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS).
2006
In the fall of 2006, the building renovation debt is retired, and the school becomes debt-free. The School undertakes its first long-range strategic plan, including a commitment to expand the school facilities. In the five years since the School became independent, the student population grows to 210 students. The Faculty triples in size.
2007
The McGillis School gains fully accredited status with PNAIS. The School receives multiple commendations and no conditions.
In June of 2007, the Board of Trustees commits to expanding the school's facilities no later than Fall 2010.
2008
The school houses 258 students in the fall of 2008 with two classrooms each in first through fifth grades. A new facilities plan calls for eliminating a 1950's addition to the historic building and constructing an additional 57,000 square feet. The new facility, built to LEED standards and architecturally complimenting the original historic building, costing approximately $10 million. A capital campaign begins.
On June 2, 2009 we break ground on our expansion.
August 2010
The McGillis School opens its doors to the completed expansion, with 325 students in kindergarten through eighth grades. A new chapter in The McGillis School history begins. With the addition of more than 57,000 square feet the school has endless opportunities to enrich its already robust, ethics infused curriculum.
