Jones Middle School is turning 100 years old in the spring of 2024, and Upper Arlington Schools and the Upper Arlington Historical Society are collaborating on special events to celebrate this milestone for the district’s first permanent school building.

Designed by Ohio Stadium architect Howard Dwight Smith, the building now known as Jones Middle School opened on March 17, 1924, with six teachers and approximately 150 students from grades 1 to  6, according to newspaper archives. (Grades 7 to 12 would later be added following the building’s expansion in 1926.) While the building wasn’t yet finished when it opened, the article reassured that “classes will be carried on without any interruption.” 

The building later served as Upper Arlington’s high school and junior high school and eventually became known as Jones Middle School, after J.W. Jones, who had served as the building’s principal and the first full-time superintendent of the district.

“Jones is a unique building in the history of Upper Arlington, in that it has served nearly every grade level from elementary to high school,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D. “It has gone through many updates and changes over the years but continues to be a symbol of our community’s commitment to providing our students with the best possible education.”  

This spring, Jones Middle School and the Upper Arlington Historical Society will offer the community a glimpse into the history of Jones and its significance to students, families and the community. 

During the month of March, the Upper Arlington Historical Society will offer a historical display at the Tremont Road branch of the Upper Arlington Public Library. Jones will also be gathering art and writing submissions from students to enhance the display.

Coinciding with the Upper Arlington Alumni Association’s UAHS Open House event on July 5 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m., Jones Middle School will host its own open house on the same day from 9 to 11 a.m. This will be an opportunity for alumni, as well as community members and current students and families, to walk through the building and view historical displays and student work to commemorate its 100th birthday.

This isn’t the only century milestone this year for Upper Arlington Schools. This spring, Upper Arlington will celebrate its 100th graduating class, and the 100th edition of the Norwester, Upper Arlington High School’s yearbook, will be released to students. Look for more about these milestones in upcoming issues of the UAiNSIGHT community newsletter.