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History of Memorial

For some sixty years, Elkhart's students learned in a large building downtown, part of which still stands as an annex to the city-county building. In 1967, a new high school opened on the site of what is now Elkhart Central. Almost immediately the new building was overcrowded, so planning began for a second high school.

The new building, designed and built by Everett I. Brown and Company of Indianapolis, was built to accommodate a schedule and curriculum organized around modular periods. Accordingly, the building features lecture halls, seminar rooms, and departmental office areas. 

Elkhart Memorial High School opened its doors to students in 1972. The school was named in tribute to the many Elkhart students who have served their city, state, and country. Dedication ceremonies were held October 28,1972. The school received a Special First Class Commission by the State of Indiana. On March 30, 1973, the school became a fully accredited member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

From 1972-1984 Elkhart Memorial housed 3 grades, 10-12. The 9th grade was added in 1985, resulting in remodeling of the library and additional classroom space.

A 14 million dollar project was designed by Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc.,in March 1998 to add 16 classrooms, additional office space, new industrial technology laboratories and an additional gym. The entire project expanded total square footage of the school to 426,256 feet. As part of the remodeling, every classroom was wired for voice, video, and data.

Currently, Elkhart Memorial High School has 65 classrooms. The school also has 8 computer labs, 11 science labs with adjoining classrooms, 4 lecture halls, a computerized writing lab, family and consumer sciences lab areas, and state-of-the-art industrial technology lab facilities. The new industrial technology areas offer students modular stations for applied learning in the following: plastics, robotics, CNC machining, hydraulics and pneumatics, aerodynamics, motor circuitry, lasers, electronics, mechanical and architectural drafting, manufacturing systems, construction systems, video editing, and computer assembly.

In winter of 2002, the School Board approved the completion of Charger Field with the erection of grandstands that seat 4,420 fans, a press box, concession buildings, and gateways, thus giving Elkhart Memorial High School its first true home football field in its history.

The 2009-10 school year marks the 38th year of Memorial High School.