History

A Past as Bright as the Future

Built on a history of high expectations and high performance, education in the Marana community dates back to the early 1920’s, long before Marana was incorporated, with the Marana Union High School District #2. A cornerstone of the first high school building still remains on the current Estes Elementary School site (formerly Marana Elementary), with the words engraved “Union High School #2 – 1924.” The graduating class of 1922 had two students. 

In 1939, the Marana Elementary District #55 was formed, composed of a couple of smaller area school districts. In 1942, the Marana Elementary District became #6. 

The budget for the 1949-1950 school year was $147,800 for an enrollment of 350 students. The teaching staff consisted of eight elementary school teachers and six high school staff. The graduating class of 1948 consisted of four students and jumped to 12 in 1949. In 1948, the elementary and high school districts began to operate with one Governing Board. Mr. O.H. Oldfather was appointed Superintendent in July 1948 - 1957, followed by Superintendent Mr. Lon Adams. The budget for the 1949-1950 school year was $147,800 for an enrollment of 350 students. The teaching staff consisted of eight elementary school teachers and six high school staff. The graduating class of 1948 consisted of four students and jumped to 12 in 1949. 

In 1953, a new Marana High School building was opened, which is now Marana Middle School. Additions were made to the Marana elementary building in 1955 (now named Estes Elementary School). 

In 1981, the Governing Board unified the Marana Elementary District and the Marana High School District to become the Marana Unified School District #6. 

The District continues to be an integral part of the community and takes pride in knowing we are one of the reasons families choose to live in the Marana area.