About Our School

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1941, Home Gardens School was established to serve elementary students in the growing Reno area near the airport. As the community expanded, the need for a larger facility became apparent. In 1964, construction began on the new “A” and “B” buildings of Smithridge Elementary School.

Home Gardens closed in 1965, and Smithridge Elementary officially opened its doors on September 7 of that year. Mrs. Josephine Frugoli, the final principal of Home Gardens, became the first principal of Smithridge, serving from 1965 to 1971.

Over the decades, the school continued to grow. In 1972, the “C” Building, Multipurpose Room, and main office were added. The “D” modular followed in 1988, and the “M1” modular was introduced in 1992, later transformed into a Computer Lab in 2001 under Principal Cathy Dreher.

The Community Services Agency’s Head Start program was introduced in 1998, followed by a developmental Pre-K building in 2000 and the final portable classroom in 2002.

Throughout its history, Smithridge has been led by many dedicated principals and has proudly served thousands of students in the Reno community. After decades of service and impact, Smithridge Elementary will close its doors in the summer of 2028 under the leadership of Principal Mr. Dixon, marking the end of an important chapter in the school’s legacy.