History

Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, El Rodeo Elementary School embodies nearly a century of Educational Excellence, community spirit, and historic preservation.

Since reopening as a TK-5 elementary school in 2024 following extensive modernization, El Rodeo originally opened in 1927 seamlessly blends its rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, offering a unique environment that honors the past while inspiring future generations.

A Historic Beginning: 1927

The original structure of El Rodeo School was approved by the Beverly Hills Board of Education in February 1927. Designed by the architectural firm Austin, Ashley, and Hudson, and constructed by contractor Ralph H. Whinery, the school featured a three-winged building that showcased the Spanish Revival style. Its iconic red-tile roofs, stucco walls, and graceful archways became a hallmark of the community.

The school's founding plaque, "El Rodeo de Las Aguas" from 1927, still hangs proudly under the triple archway at the auditorium lobby entrance, serving as a tangible link to its origins. Its name, "El Rodeo de Las Aguas," which translates to "The Gathering of the Waters," reflects the area's historical significance as a convergence of natural springs that sustained early inhabitants of Beverly Hills. This connection to water is not just symbolic but woven into the neighborhood's fabric.

The Beverly Hills Electric Fountain, installed in the 1930s at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, stands as a tribute to this history. Its central pillar features a kneeling Tongva native, representing the region’s first inhabitants, surrounded by the spray of flowing water—the “gathering waters.” The fountain’s presence near the school serves as a reminder of the land’s origins and its role in sustaining community life.

El Rodeo remains a gathering place in the truest sense of its name. Today, students, families, and staff come together for Walk to School Wednesdays, gathering at the Beverly Hills Electric Fountain, the legendary landmark that celebrates the“gathering waters” of the city. Just as the fountain connects past to present, these walks reflect El Rodeo Elementary’s enduring role as a hub of connection and togetherness.

Decades of Expansion and Adaptation

The school sustained significant damage during the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake. Reconstruction began in June 1934 under the guidance of architect W.A. Hudson and structural engineers Holmes and Narver. The project was completed later that year, preserving the school's architectural integrity while reinforcing its structural resilience. Further expansions in 1938, also led by Hudson, saw the addition of new facilities completed by March 1939.

El Rodeo continued to evolve to meet the needs of its growing student population. In July 1959, the Board of Education approved additions designed by John Kewell and Associates. Rising enrollments prompted the construction of a two-story addition in 1962, featuring Gymnasium facilities and Music rooms. This expansion, completed by the Argo Construction Company, reflected the school's commitment to holistic education.

In 1966, the most significant transformation during the period was undertaken: a three-story structure that added Home Economics and Art classrooms within the original building. Designed by Maurice H. Fleishman and completed by A.G. Tutor Construction Company in 1967, this project set a new standard for blending tradition with modernity.

Subsequent additions, including new classrooms and a transformer vault to meet state fire protection requirements, were completed by 1969, marking the culmination of this era of growth.

The 1980s brought further enhancements, including the remodeling of the Cafeteria in 1981 by Levin Construction Co., following designs by Friedman, Togawa, and Smith.

The Playground was also revitalized with a sod turf and sprinkler system engineered by HLM Engineers and Constructors, creating a 30,744-square-foot grass field and an enlarged physical fitness area. This extensive remodeling, completed in September 1981, reflected the school's commitment to providing students with quality outdoor spaces.

Preserving History During ModernizationIn 2019, El Rodeo closed as a K-8 institution to undergo a transformation that balanced modernization with preservation.

This process unveiled a treasure trove of chronological artifacts, including the Alma Mater sheet music, which had been long forgotten.

The Goldstein Benches donated decades ago, were placed under Hugo Ballin’s 1934 mural, Rudimentary Education. This mural, originally funded by the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) and completed in 1934, is a 1,500-square-foot masterpiece featuring a teacher presenting slates of ancient languages.

It was carefully restored in 2024 by specialized artists, standing as a testament to El Rodeo’s dedication to the arts and education. Ballin’s murals appear throughout the Los Angeles region, including the Griffith Observatory, the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the Los Angeles Times Building, and the Los Angeles City Hall Council Chambers.

In the Kindergarten Wing, an enormous fireplace and hearth hidden for decades was discovered in near-perfect condition. Inscribed with the words, “THE CHILD • THE LIGHT • THE LIFE • THE LOVE OF THE WORLD,” it serves as a poignant reminder of the school's enduring commitment to early education.

Original tree memorials and dedications to beloved teachers Ms. Melniker, Karen Novoseller, and student Paolo Ayala have been restored. Gold, acrylic, and wood panels of tributes and plaques commemorating the dedication and generosity of the PTA and BHEF are displayed in the vestibule hallway connecting the Administration Building to the Multipurpose Center.

During the excavation for a new regulation-sized field, construction crews unearthed archeological finds from the 1938 Los Angeles Flood, including ceramic dishes, terracotta lids, and glass bottles. These relics now, exhibited in the Legacy Hallway, connect El Rodeo to a pivotal moment in Southern California’s history, maintaining a tangible link to lives disrupted by the flood.

A Modern Campus Rooted in Tradition and Generosity

El Rodeo reopened in 2024 as a vibrant TK-5 elementary school, blending award-winning cutting-edge facilities with preserved historical elements.

The Legacy Hallway features graduation photos dating back to 1928, a display case with hundred-year-old photos, letters, and artifacts, Marlene Zimmerman’s hand-drawn aerial painting of the campus, and magnificent bicentennial quilts hung in The Historic Room. The original library murals from 1936 are reimagined as life-size decals, connecting past and present for new generations.

The Lincoln Head sculpture returned to its rightful home and was placed on a pedestal, along with a time-honored photo of the original library exhibited behind it from 1935, honoring the school’s epochal dedication to education.

The original cupola, removed during seismic retrofitting, now graces the Kindergarten Courtyard, symbolizing continuity and resilience. El Rodeo Elementary’s new facilities reflect the perfect balance between conserving history and fostering modern education.

The school’s new principal’s office is named in honor of Francis S. Scott, beloved former principal, ensuring that the past remains an integral part of the school’s identity. Donor namings throughout the school recognize the generosity of families and organizations that have supported El Rodeo and through their donation, will continue to do so for years to come. Notable tributes include The Lili and Jon Bosse Family Library, The Michael J. Libow Patio, The Amanda Goldberg Stage, The Piya and Trevor M. Saliba Family Cafeteria, The Leah Stephanie Newman Bench, The Maas Family Legacy Bench, The Halfon Family Tree, and The Beverly Hills AYSO Community Field which all honor the lifelong contributions of city leaders.

At the Southern California Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Awards in June 2024, along with Bond Manager Fonder-Salari, BHUSD received the “Project Achievement Award” in the Education sector for the El Rodeo Elementary School Modernization Project!

A Culture of Innovation and Community

Under Principal Sarah Kaber’s leadership, El Rodeo embraces a forward-thinking curriculum that ignites creativity and curiosity. Programs such as the Makerspace class teach design thinking and pre-engineering. This class is designed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills, giving students a foundation that will support their prospective endeavors in science, technology, and design.

Music theory, vocal general music, and fundamental instruments are also introduced in kindergarten, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their passions early. The school's media center, multipurpose rooms, classrooms, labs, and expansive campus are designed to provide a dynamic learning environment. The state-of-the-art auditorium quickly became a centerpiece of community and innovation.

At the Beverly Hills Education Foundation's “Take a Seat” benefit event in May 2024, over 600 attendees witnessed a breathtaking light show directed by Thomas Zoeschg, which showcased the auditorium’s capabilities illuminating the auditorium’s cutting-edge design including the lighting rig dropping out of the ceiling, inspiring students to dream big. The event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, supporting El Rodeo Elementary’s diverse programs.

A Hub of Legacy and Connection

El Rodeo Elementary School is not just a place of learning; it is a place of care and connection. The staff’s commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for every student is palpable. Teachers, administrators, and support staff work collaboratively to ensure that every child receives the individualized attention they need to succeed. The school’s culture of kindness, empathy, and respect extends beyond the classroom, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all who walk through its doors.

The March 2024 community tours, attended by the Board of Education, City Council, City of Beverly Hills Employees, Beverly Hills Police and Fire Departments, neighbors, and key leaders, exemplify El Rodeo’s collaborative spirit and its pivotal role as a cornerstone of the community. These tours provided an opportunity for partners to experience firsthand the blend of history and modernity that defines the school’s transformation.

The presence of the Beverly Hills Police and Fire Departments highlighted the importance of safety and security in supporting a nurturing educational environment. Meanwhile, the participation of neighbors and city leaders underscored El Rodeo's broader role in fostering community engagement and connection.

The school’s rich tradition of volunteerism is also evident in the dedication of the PTA and past staff members, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the modernization project.

In May 2024, former PTA leaders, led by Franny Rennie and Myra Lurie, BHEF representatives, and staff members came together to reminisce about their time at El Rodeo and share their stories.

These reunions brought together a formidable group that represents the heart and soul of El Rodeo highlighting the deep sense of community that has defined the school for generations and serves as a reminder of the strong foundation upon which El Rodeo’s future is built.

Years of work culminated in the Grand Reopening on August 11, 2024, where Principal Kaber, Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy, Board President Dr. Amanda Stern, and Mayor Lester Friedman led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Over 2,000 attendees explore the modernized campus, from the preserved alumni tile wall to the basketball courts, media center, library, art and science rooms, and beyond.

From young children to the most revered alumni, attendees reconnected, sharing stories that wove together nearly a century of educational history. Each conversation was a thread in the rich tapestry of El Rodeo's narrative, highlighting the deep bonds that transcend generations. With community at its center, the balance of ceremony and festivity was achieved with a vibrant Sunday Market featuring local Beverly Hills businesses. 

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

El Rodeo’s motto, “Soaring to Success,” reflects the ambition of its eagle mascot symbolizing the school’s determination, dedication to nurturing young minds, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

'Our Next Chapter,' the theme of the inaugural elementary year, honors the legacy of El Rodeo while celebrating its new identity as El Rodeo Elementary. The memorialized shield is proudly displayed above the field entrance to the Administration Building. 

As El Rodeo Elementary School embarks on its next chapter, it does so with a sense of purpose and pride. With its spectacular facilities, innovative programs, and unwavering commitment to community, El Rodeo Elementary School remains the heart of Beverly Hills—Soaring to Success and building a bright future for generations to come.