Jim Thorpe School Plans Grand Opening Today

The last bolts, wires and cables are finally in place and although the school in Santa Ana named for Jim Thorpe is winding up its first year of classes, the school officially opens today with songs, speeches and a dedication to the athlete whom it honors.

Named for the Native American athlete who won two gold medals in the 1912 Olympic Games, the school, which was completed this year and houses 740 students, is a fundamental school, placing strong emphasis on the basics.

In order for students to attend, Thorpe requires parents to sign a contract agreeing they will be vigilant about their children’s education. Enthusiasm for the school has been high since it opened in September, when parents spent the night outside to secure a place for their children. The school has 55 students on its waiting list.

The contract also requires intensive oversight on the part of teachers and administrators, who agree to notify parents immediately in cases of late homework, tardiness, dress code violations or incomplete classroom assignments.

“In some ways a fundamental school has great benefits, but it also has great challenges,” Principal Betty Wagner said. “That there is so much parent involvement makes teaching easier, but it also makes the job more demanding.”

At today’s ceremony, Thorpe’s daughter Grace Thorpe, now 77, is expected to attend, in addition to school district and local elected officials.

Jim Thorpe grew up on the Sac and Fox Indian reservation in Oklahoma. Amid great controversy, Thorpe’s medals were revoked after a Massachusetts newspaper reported that he had earned $2 per game playing baseball before the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee demanded that Thorpe return the medals, although replicas were later returned to his family.

Although the Native American population in the Santa Ana school district is small--less than 1%--the board voted in 1997 to name the school after Thorpe as a way to promote diversity.