History of Arthur Jr High School

Arthur Jr High School was built in 1930, and opened in 1931. Before opening the school used portable buildings for a year before the school that stands today was built. In 1934 7th and 8th graders were added to the school being previously served by only K-6. In 1941, Arthur received a addition that added a auditorium, administrative offices, a library, a large arts and music room, and one additional classroom. From 1945-1947 double sessions were done to help with overcrowding at the school. In 1948 another addition was added that completed the U shaped design the school has today. This addition added a gym, four classrooms, and a kindergarten room. Upon completion the school remains on the smaller scales of schools in Detroit, especially for Jr High Schools, standing at only 33,700 sf. However enrollment in the 50s proved to be large for Arthur at 853 students. Sometime around the 1970s or 80s Arthur was designated a Magnet School going under the name Dorothy Fisher Magnet School, a black plaque was placed above the main entrance to the school. In 2001 the Dorothy Fisher Magnet School program was moved to the nearby Burbank School located 2 miles north. Many students continued on to the Burbank School with there education to keep their magnet status leaving a enrollment gap at Arthur, enrollment began to decline rapidly and the school was closed in 2005. It was one of the earliest closures in the district alongside schools like Hosmer, Weatherby, and Yost. Unfortunately Arthur has not been spared the condition, of schools closed the same year, for example Weatherby remains #1 on the condition of City owned schools while Arthur remains #16 on the same list, being noted as a above average condition school. However in the 20 years of abandonment the school has been scrapped and the gymnasium floor is almost completely in ruin.