Spokane County Schools

Spokane hired Henry T. Cowley as the first public school teacher in 1875. As additional schools were added, School District #81 was created in 1889. The early years of the twentieth century saw the addition of high schools and numerous elementary schools to serve the growing needs of Spokane's children and the developing neighborhoods. In addition to the public schools in Spokane, parochial schools served the religious community. One-room rural schools met the needs of children all over the county. Sports, music and other extra-curricular programs have added to the school experience for Spokane's children for over a century.