Our Story: A History of Wasatch

Wasatch Elementary has been part of Salt Lake City’s story for generations. Our school’s roots reach back to the old Twenty-First School, which opened on January 10, 1884. On September 13, 1892, property was purchased at 30 R Street for what would become Wasatch School.

The original Wasatch building was completed in January 1894 at a cost of $40,225.20 and opened with 236 students. The school was named Wasatch for the nearby mountains, and in its early years served students from “Beginners” through eighth grade.

As the neighborhood grew, Wasatch grew with it. By 1906, the school served 660 students with 17 teachers. To meet the needs of a growing student body, additions were made to the original building in the early 1900s. A two-story addition was added to the north side of the school, and later improvements included an auditorium with seating for 250.

One of Wasatch’s most unique historic features is the pedestrian tunnel under South Temple. As the school needed more space for students to play, a field across South Temple was used as a playground. The tunnel was completed in 1930 to help students safely reach the playground from the school. For generations of Wasatch students, that tunnel became part of the everyday rhythm and memory of school life.

The original Wasatch building served generations of children until 1976. Although many people hoped to preserve the historic structure, the building could no longer meet fire code and needed significant repairs. Students attended Roosevelt Elementary during the transition, and the current Wasatch Elementary building opened in the late 1970s.

Wasatch’s long tradition of excellence continued. In 1988, the school received a National Award of Excellence. In 2023, Wasatch was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, a national honor recognizing the hard work, dedication, collaboration, and growth of our students, staff, faculty, and families. Wasatch was one of two Utah schools named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.

Today, Wasatch Elementary continues to build on more than a century of learning, creativity, community, and care. Located at the corner of South Temple and R Street, near the University of Utah and downtown Salt Lake City, Wasatch remains a place where students are known, supported, challenged, and celebrated.

We are proud of our history, grateful for the generations who shaped our school, and excited to continue helping Wasatch Stars grow as thoughtful learners, creative thinkers, caring friends, and confident leaders.

Where curiosity grows and futures begin.