Mission
The mission of Roosevelt Magnet School, as an innovative fine arts academy, is to ensure that each student develops to his or her academic, artistic and personal potential by integrating the arts and technology within a safe, nurturing environment, which embraces diversity in partnership with families and the community.
History
In September of 1932, when the country was engulfed in the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt was campaigning for President, a new school opened in Peoria, Illinois. Built on the edge of swampy lowlands known as Goose Lake, the school was named after the other great Roosevelt of the century, Theodore. The school currently lies in the middle of a natural amphitheatre, with hills rising on two sides.
As they say, “We’ve come along way baby!” since our doors opened in 1932 with HH Baum gardener as principal of Theodore Roosevelt Junior High School. It was the year that our junior high student’s journey began with a trolley car ride to the intersections of Eckley Avenue and Warren Street or the Hurlburt car to Warren Street.
It opened its doors to 1, 1000 eighth and ninth graders, from the South side, the West Bluff, all of Bartonville and as far west as Hanna City. The students, most of whom had attended turn-of-the-century grade schools, must have been surprised at the city’s first real junior high.
Designed as a transition from grade to high school, Roosevelt was the envy of most high school students. It boasted a 2,000 capacity gymnasium, 1, 2000 seat auditorium and specially equipped rooms for woodshop, home economics, science, music and art. Even the architects were so impressed that the school won an international award for its beauty and utility.
Fast-forward to 1969, Roosevelt Junior High School is in its last year as a Junior High. Through these hallways have passed generations of educators, politicians, entrepreneurs, war veterans, physicians, attorneys, stay-at-home moms, athletes, scientists, musicians and the list is endless.
Today, Roosevelt Magnet School for the Fine Arts boasts a proud tradition of rich history and school pride. We are “Rough-Rider Proud” to list our former and current leaders.
Principal HH Baumgardener Principal William Burdell “Buck” Smith Principal Dickson S. Young Principal Taunya L. Jenkins