In 1905, the newly established Murray City annexed an area of land to increase the population to 5000. This acquisition allowed the city to have its own school district and Murray City schools enrolled nearly a thousand pupils in their first year of independent operation. At that time the District a staff of twenty teachers, two music and art specialists; and a beginning teacher made $45 a month.

The three school buildings in the newly established district were renamed through a student competition in 1906. The names selected were Arlington School (formerly District #25 and Central School), Liberty School (formerly District #24 and Winchester School), and Pioneer School, located near 300 West and 5300 South. By 1911, Bonnyview and Hillcrest Schools had been built. Development of high school curriculum began in 1913-14 school year at the Hillcrest School and a new grade level was added each year until the diplomas were awarded in May 1917 to the first five high school graduates. Kindergarten was permanently instituted in the 1920s.

Between 1950 and 1970, Murray School District was challenged with an exploding school population and seven new schools were built. These structures included a new Murray High School facility, Riverview Junior High, and McMillan, Grant, Viewmont, Parkside and Longview elementary schools. Horizon Elementary School was built in the 1980s when the old Arlington School was converted into a new city hall for Murray City.

Today, the Murray City School District educates over six-thousand students in grades K – 12, directing seven elementary schools, two junior highs, and one high school. Murray schools are benefited greatly through the many efforts of committed PTA members; the Murray Education Foundation (MEF), a nonprofit organization which assists in providing recognition of excellence in the schools and resources for special school needs; the MHS Renaissance Program; the Community Councils of each school, and an adult Community Education program through which a diversity of classes are offered.

Murray High, the newest school in the Murray School District, opened in 2003 to serve around 1,500 students. The 260,000 square-foot school is built on the same 21 acres as the previous high school. MHS is a state-of-the-art building, boasting high ceilings with skylights, a commons area, wireless internet connections in every classroom, a geothermal heating and cooling system, an expanded auditorium, two gyms and a courtyard. The building design of Murray High School focuses on greatly improving the academic environment.

Hillcrest and Riverview Junior Highs have a combined enrollment nearing 1, 500 students. The students of both schools have many athletic, choral, band and other extracurricular choices. They also have a variety of opportunities for academic enrichment with curriculum designed to be interdisciplinary while focusing on higher level thinking skills, problem solving, research, and independent studies. Counselors, teachers, and administrators work together to meet individual student needs.

For younger students, Murray provides seven elementary schools that average around 22 students per classrooms. These schools provide excellent programs to help students become well-rounded in both academic and social skills. Each elementary school has a Perspectives teacher to coordinate staff development and resource enrichment classes for students identified as gifted learners. Many other special services are also provided. The Kennecott Nature Center of Murray provides opportunities for Murray School District children to enjoy observing and learning about nature up close and hands-on.

Although Murray’s physical facilities have dramatically changed and curriculum content has certainly evolved during the past 100 years, the Murray City School District continues to maintain a tradition of dedicated teachers and a population of students eager to achieve and contribute to the community. We enter the next 100 years with continued commitment to progress and exemplary educational achievement.