Explore the history of what is now Emma Donnan Elementary & Middle School.
1902 - School No. 1
Right across the street from our current home was School No.1. The small Schoolhouse housed grades 1-8. As Settlements became more established, the land we are on now was purchased. It was a settlement outside of Indianapolis.
Our campus was built in 1913 as School no.1 in McClainsville. McClainsville was an independent settlement bounded roughly north to south by Southern Avenue and Martin Street and east to west by Dietz Street and Shelby - the area was annexed in 1917 and the school was acquired by Indianapolis Public Schools where it was re-named Public School No. 72. The cornerstone of the 1913 building is still on today's property.
Emma Donnan was a Indianapolis Public School system Teacher and Principal. She served from the founding of IPS until she retired in 1928. At the time, was the longest serving educator in the city. (Donnan pictured on the right).
The 1970s brought a massive renovation to School 72. A wraparound housing the gym, lunchroom, media center, and art rooms was added around the origonal building from 1913.
We unite in solidarity with our families and community to create a joyous neighborhood school, preparing all scholars to graduate from college and lead lives of leadership and service to Indianapolis.