The records of the University Schools operated by the University of Michigan School of Education document the activities of the schools (elementary and high school), students, parents, alumni as well as the physical facilities of the schools. The records date from 1920 to 1975 although the bulk of the records cover the period from 1930 to 1966. The last vestiges of the schools closed after the 1969/70 academic year, but records relating to the renovation and remodeling of the school buildings are present through 1975.
The records were received in three accessions resulting in the creation of several series. Thus researchers will find some overlap within the various series, particularly the topical files and administrative files. The records are divided into eight series: Topical Files; University Elementary School Files; University High School Files; Administrative Files; Classroom Activities; Photographs; Historical Files; and Renovations and Architectural Drawings.
During the early 1920s, the School of Education faculty began to discuss the possibility of establishing a high school within the School of Education. The original objectives of the high school were to serve as a laboratory for scientific study of secondary school problems and to furnish facilities for observational work and directed teaching to approximately one hundred university students each semester.
In 1922 the Legislature approved $525,000 for a high school building. In the fall of 1924, the school was opened to students in grades seven to twelve. There were 123 students the first year, with a limit set at 360. Students were grouped into homerooms by grade and after 1929, also by sex. Students had the same home room teacher for all six years (grade seven through twelve). Much of the student life was organized by homeroom: representation to Student Council, intra-mural sports, and various school and community service projects. Tuition for the high school was $15.00 per semester, with a limited number of scholarships available. The University High School was fully accredited by the University of Michigan and the North Central Association of College and Secondary Schools.
Six years later, in the fall of 1930, the University Elementary School opened with sixty five students between the ages of two-and-a-half and five-and-a-half. Each year, the next oldest age group was added until the school reached the sixth grade. The main focus of the school was educational research and the study of child development. The school was used as a demonstration center for educators in the newer practices of educating children. Tuition at the time of opening was $50 per semester for a full day session and $15.00 a semester for children on half-day session.
In 1955 the University High School and the University Elementary School were combined, to be known as the University Schools; Dr. Robert S. Fox was appointed director.
In the 1960s, the School of Education established new priorities and the decision was made to eliminate the University Schools. The last senior class graduated in 1968, although the high school continued for one more academic year. The elementary division closed its doors at the end of the 1969/70 school year.
Following the closing of University School the buildings were converted to administrative space and classrooms for the School of Education.
