Photos of Green Fields School dating back 70+ years
Historic photos of Green Fields School (formerly known as Green Fields Country Day School) in Tucson. The school's Board of Trustees voted to close the school and sell the property in 2019. It was one of the most-prominent private schools in the Tucson area. Accelerated Learning Laboratory purchased the property and now operates it as part of ALL.
The school began in 1933 as a boarding school. G. Howard and Ruby Atchley bought the abandoned 80-acre Circle Double A Ranch near Orange Grove and Camino de la Tierra. Ruby wanted to continue her teaching career, so they started the boarding school. It began with five students from Pittsburgh.
In 1960, it became a day school only. In 1965, it expanded to a four-year high school program and in 1966, it became co-educational.
Green Fields Country Day School
Undated photo of Green Fields Country Day School students outside the adobe building that was the school's first building.
Green Fields Country Day School
An honors class meets outside at Green Fields Country Day School in the late 1950s.
Green Fields Country Day School
Seven students on horseback (including Charles Snowdon pose for a photo in the late 1930's near Green Fields Country Day School. Snowdon was at Green Fields from 1934-36 and was a B-17 pilot in WWII. He died while an instructor in 1945.
Green Fields Country Day School
Open air classes were the norm at Green Fields Country Day School.
Green Fields Country Day School
The cover of the 1967 Green Fields Country Day School yearbook.
Green Fields Country Day School
Wheat is harvested at Green Fields Country Day School in 1937.
Green Fields Country Day School
Green Fields Country Day School students on horseback. The school had a stable. Each student was given a horse for rides to Hacienda de Sol, which was a girl's school during the 1930s.
Green Fields Country Day School
Undated photo of Green Fields Country Day School students on a field trip to Mission San Xavier del Bac.
Green Fields Country Day School
An honors class meets outside at Green Fields Country Day School in the late 1950s.
Green Fields Country Day School
Undated photo of Green Fields Country Day School founders G. Howard Atchley, left, with dog Smog, and Rubie Atchley.
Green Fields Country Day School
Green Fields Country Day School students in a study hall in 2010. All 50 of the high school students at the school received an Apple Macbook. The school also improved their wireless connectivity.
Green Fields School
About 50 boys were enrolled in Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1965. Emphasis was on academics, though there was time for sports. Classes were often outside on sunny days.
Green Fields School
About 50 boys were enrolled in Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1965. Emphasis was on academics, though there was time for sports. Classes were often outside on sunny days.
Green Fields School
About 50 boys were enrolled in Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1965. Emphasis was on academics, though there was time for sports. Classes were often outside on sunny days.
Green Fields School
Teacher James Blackwell leads a science last in the new Arizona-Sonora Hall at Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1968. Emphasis was on academics, though there was time for sports. At that time, the student to teacher ratio was only 8:1.
Green Fields School
Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1968. Emphasis was on academics, though there was time for sports. Classes were often outside on sunny days. At that time, the student to teacher ratio was only 8:1.
Green Fields School
Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1968. Emphasis was on academics, though there was time for sports. Classes were often outside on sunny days. At that time, the student to teacher ratio was only 8:1.
Green Fields School
Students handle mice in science class at Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1983
Green Fields School
Threading 16mm film during class at Green Fields School northwest of Tucson in 1983
Green Fields School
Green Fields School northwest of Tucson had 11 giant computer terminals for 160 students in 1983
Green Fields Country Day School
Students play in the gym at Green Fields Country Day School in 2010.
Green Fields Country Day School
Eighth-grade students converge on the lawn at Green Fields Country Day School in 2009.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
Private school said it doesn't have enough money for new school year; plans to file for bankruptcy, sell property.
Green Fields announced its closure and filed for bankruptcy in early July.