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The 1970s
Introduction to the '70s
In 1970 construction began on a two-story building right behind Old Main and also on a new gymnasium next to Jantzen Football Field. Construction was completed in 1971 and the buildings were dedicated at the beginning of the school year in 1971.
The new library was placed in the parking lot west of the Old Main building in 1974. It was more of a portable building that needed to be built for the increased population. Many other noticeable changes took place at Peoria High School during the 1973 -74 school year. In the summer a new Agriculture building was built directly east of the old gymnasium. Also, a new Arts and Crafts building was built right behind the new two-story building. Both of these were metal portable buildings since the district was strapped for money. This wa90s their most feasible option. Finally, students were able to use the new snack bar facilities that were built to accommodate the increasing number of students on the campus.
In 1979 – 80 with the building of Cactus High School, the district decided to upgrade things at Peoria High School. The number of students dropped down to around 700 students. Classes were distributed throughout campus so that Old Main could be upgraded with air conditioning, new walls, and windows. It was a hardship for a lot of students and teachers since classes were located in the old gym at the beginning and then distributed wherever spaces could be found. With great Peoria spirit, the school survived.
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Peoria High School was overwhelmed in the 1970s by a huge amount of growth and change. Sun City had its own school district which eliminated one of the district’s problems, but at the same time, the district was growing and was looking for ways to solve the problems of overcrowding in its schools with very little money in their coffers.
Even with these problems, it was a great time for students and teachers to be at Peoria High School. The 70s were one of the golden periods of the school. The school added some needed buildings by using their money wisely. Kids and teachers adapted to larger classes, overcrowding, and multiple lunches. New kids came, new teachers were hired, and the school became a great place for everyone involved. The school spirit was great and everyone loved to come to this place that people called Peoria High School.
The 1970s
Graduates of the 1970s
Administrators & Teachers
Administrators & Teachers
Check out the Peoria High School Graduates from 1970-1979.
Administrators & Teachers
Administrators & Teachers
Administrators & Teachers
See who was running the district, Peoria High School and the classrooms in the 1970s.
The Cactus Rivalry Begins
Administrators & Teachers
The Cactus Rivalry Begins
Cactus High School is built in the '70s, the second high school in the Peoria district. This begins a rivalry between Peoria and Cactus that continues to this day.
Panther Purrs
Current Events of the 1970s
The Cactus Rivalry Begins
The Peoria High School Newsletter, The Panther Purrs, included the happenings around school. Read some of the newspaper's highlights from the 1970s.
Peoria High School ROTC
Current Events of the 1970s
Current Events of the 1970s
During the early 1970s Peoria High School offered a chance for students to join the ROTC Program.
Current Events of the 1970s
Current Events of the 1970s
Current Events of the 1970s
The 1970s was an exciting time for the state of Arizona and the city of Peoria. Find out also what was popular in television, music, and movies of the '70s.