KNOX HISTORY
Knox Middle School, located in Southeast San Diego, has a proud history of serving students and families since it first opened as Harley E. Knox Elementary School on May 21, 1958, with 473 students in a newly constructed campus built for $338,764. Named in honor of former San Diego Mayor Harley E. Knox, the school was officially dedicated later that year on November 13, with David Anfanger as its first principal. Mr. Knox began his roots in the area in 1910, when he started a dairy business at 4810 Logan Avenue, near the current school site. He later organized a Dairyman's League, served as President of the San Diego Rowing Club, and was a Pacific Coast Shell Champion Oarsman. He entered politics in 1939 as a councilman and was elected mayor in 1943 and 1947, leading the city through a period of extraordinary postwar growth—widely regarded as one of the most pivotal eras in San Diego’s history. In response to the community’s changing needs, the school expanded in 2007 to include 7th grade, followed by 8th grade in 2008, becoming Harley E. Knox K–8 Preparatory School. By 2011, the school transitioned to a dedicated middle school, briefly serving grades 5–8 before becoming a full 6th–8th grade middle school in 2012, now known as Knox Middle School. Today, Knox is a certified Marzano High Reliability School at Levels 1 through 4, demonstrating its commitment to a safe, supportive culture; effective instruction; guaranteed and viable curriculum; and standards-based grading. With a current enrollment of 500 students, Knox offers a rich academic program including dual language history, music (band, orchestra, guitar, and musical theater), wellness, journalism, and STEM. Students take part in goal setting, track their academic progress, and participate in student-led conferences twice a year. The school emphasizes restorative practices and is supported by strong community partnerships with organizations like Arc, Manhood ABC, Fancy, Girls Inc., UPAC, Mending Matters, and +MVMNT, which together foster student success, well-being, and celebration. Knox Middle School is proud to be the home of the Bulldogs—a symbol of strength, pride, and perseverance in our community.