Our History

The Catalina Foothills School District opened its doors in 1931 with nine students and a teacher, who met in a garage. In 1939, developer John Murphey sold 2.2 acres on River Road to CFSD for the sum of ten dollars, with the stipulation that the land be used for a public school. That summer, a two-room country school house was designed by Joseph T. Joesler and built by the Work Progress Administration. Originally known as the River Road School, the building is now the Murphey Administration Center.

Today, more than 4,800 students are enrolled in the nine schools that comprise CFSD.

With a reputation for exemplary academic standards, we are helping an ever-expanding group of children experience the tradition of excellence in education that we have established.

Our Mission

The mission of CFSD is to guarantee that each student achieves academic and personal excellence, becomes a lifelong learner and is a responsible citizen of the world, by engaging all students in meaningful programs which meet the highest educational and ethical standards within a caring, collaborative learning community.

Our Beliefs

Everyone has equal, inherent worth.

Everyone has unique strengths, talents, and needs.

The human capacity to learn is boundless.

Individuals are responsible for their actions.

Effort and perseverance are essential to achieve one's personal best.

Educational excellence is achievable and worth the investment of time, effort, and money.

Achieving educational excellence is the shared responsibility of the student, school, family, and community.

Ultimately, learning is the responsibility of the individual.

Curiosity and exploration stimulate innovation and learning.

A sense of belonging is essential for an individual's well-being.

Everyone has a personal responsibility to contribute to the well-being of others.

Honesty and acting with integrity are essential to a healthy community.

Education expands opportunities and improves the quality of life.