School History

Welcome to William T. McKinley Elementary School

Nestled in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, just steps from the historic San Gabriel Mission, William T. McKinley Elementary School proudly serves a diverse and vibrant community. Our Spanish-style architecture—with graceful arches and red tile roofs—reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. As part of the San Gabriel Unified School District, one of California’s oldest, McKinley is deeply rooted in both tradition and academic excellence.

Since opening in 1925, McKinley has grown alongside the community it serves. Today, our student population of 767 represents 17 language groups, with the largest being Asian (71%) and Hispanic (23%). Despite 69% of our students qualifying as socio-economically disadvantaged and 63% identified as English Language Learners, McKinley continues to defy expectations. We proudly view our diversity as a strength and a source of academic richness.

McKinley has earned recognition as a Title I Achieving School and was honored as one of only twelve High-Performing, High-Poverty (HP2) schools in California. Our students consistently exceed local and state performance targets, including API and AYP benchmarks, often outperforming peers in similar school settings.

This success is the result of a united “McKinley Family”—students, staff, parents, and the broader community—working together toward a shared vision: to provide a full, rich educational experience for all children. Our educators collaborate through team teaching, data analysis, and the use of multiple assessments to tailor instruction to student needs. Our rigorous, standards-based curriculum is complemented by enrichment programs, after-school support, and a comprehensive English Language Development program serving over 500 students.

We maintain strong partnerships with local institutions such as the San Gabriel Public Library, police and fire departments, the Civic Auditorium, and area businesses, which enhance our students' connection to the community.

Finally, our success would not be possible without the tremendous support of our families. Through active involvement in the PTA and school-wide events, our parents help build an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child can thrive. As we continue to empower students for future success, we remain committed to unlocking each child’s full potential.