HISTORY

Founded in year 1947, San Jose Elementary School originally started as an annex of La Loma Elementary School with Prudencio Quilinta as principal. It had only a small building and Quonset huts to house its clienteles.

           Over the years, the enrolment increased which led the elder residents to seek the assistance of the city government for a bigger school and a permanent school site. The request was granted and on October 6, 1952 a new Gabaldon building was established on a 24,782.65 sq. meter land acquired by the city government along Tendido and Mauban Street, now, the permanent site of San Jose Elementary School. Years later, Quonset huts were replaced by Marcos type buildings and two additional 2-storey buildings on the left and right wings of the site were constructed.

As years passed, the school population quickly grew that in 1967, SJES branched out into Unit I- Main and Unit II. Each unit was managed by a school head. In 1968, the need for more classrooms led to the construction of the Rodriguez building, a two-storey, eight-room concrete building and is now being occupied by the Grade VI pupils.

          Years later, pupil numbers fluctuated and slowly declined due to the construction of the neighbouring schools, both private and public and relocation of the squatter families residing nearby. Eventually, San Jose Unit II was dissolved.

Although problem on enrolment sprung up on San Jose, it was granted the Yap building and was completed in 1996 with Zenaida San Diego as the principal. An extension of Calalay Building was also granted. It is a two-floor building with 8 rooms which accommodates the Grade III pupils at present.

Years later, extension of Gabaldon Building right wing was condemned for it was no longer safe for pupils and teachers to occupy. Demolition of the said building made it possible for San Jose to be granted the three-floor, 12-rooms Mathay Building. It was completed in 1998, and now houses the Grade V pupils, the computer room, office of the principal, guidance and clinic. The school site which was once occupied solely by SJES is now shared with the San Jose High School.

         Today, SJES headed by its Principal Dr. Mari-Glenn P. Aguilar with 55 teachers and 10 non-teaching personnel, encompasses about 13, 124 sq. meters and 5 buildings and more than 1,630 pupils come each year seeking for elementary education.