Since its establishment in 1875, the historic school has grown from a one-room schoolhouse with about 80 students to a campus of nearly 750 students, Summitt Elementary Principal Ariel Greco said.
The backstory
The Summitt School was formed by the Summitt School District six years before the creation of AISD in 1881, according to AISD information. The original school house was located at The University of Texas' J.J. Pickle Research Campus near Burnet Road, Greco said.
The Summitt School District paid tuition to Austin ISD so older students could attend Austin High School. After facing financial challenges following World War II, the Summitt School joined Austin ISD as a kindergarten through sixth grade campus in 1960, Greco said.
The school moved into its current campus in Northwest Austin in 1986 and changed its mascot from a scorpion to an eagle.
"The history of our school and the strength of our community has continued to soar to excellence and remain Summitt strong," Greco said.
Today, more than 20 languages are spoken at Summitt Elementary, which offers a Vietnamese dual language program and German exchange program, according to district information.
What they're saying
Greco, who has lead the campus as principal for five years, told Community Impact she is proud of the school's high expectations for its students, the hard work of teachers and staff, and the community's investment in Summitt students.
"I want it to continue to be a place of joy where every student who walks through the door feels seen, heard and valued," Greco said about the future of Summitt Elementary. "I really hope that it's a place that continues to be joyful where students can reach their greatest potential and really discover who they are."
- 12207 Brigadoon Lane, Austin
- www.austinisd.org/schools/summitt
