History of Maryvale High School

In 1960 a bond initiative was approved for $16 million, the largest ever for Phoenix Union.Three-fourths of the funds were dedicated to building three new high schools.

Construction on Maryvale began on August 14,1961, using the same design as Alhambra created by architect Frederick P. Weaver, which had just finished construction. John J. Dickmann was the contractor on the 56-acre campus, and the school was built for $3.5 million.

Maryvale High School began fall semester 1962 as a guest on the Carl Hayden campus. The school moved to the new campus on Feb. 4, 1963, with 1,812 freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors stayed behind at Carl Hayden. The first year there were four administrators, 66 teachers, and 12 classified personnel. Maryvale's first principal was Louis E. Burnett. The formal dedication ceremony was held on campus May 5, 1963, with Phoenix Mayor Sam Mardian giving the featured address.

The next fall, September 5, 1963, was the first day of classes with all four grades, and Maryvale was filled to its 2,500 student capacity.

School symbol: Panther
School colors: Black and gold
Founded: 1963