Constructed in 1956, William Carmichael Elementary School was the first school built in the new Sierra Vista School District. It opened on September 5, 1956, with 16 classrooms for 500 children in grades kindergarten through eight. Almost immediately, the kindergarten was overflowing, and some classes had to be moved to private residences across the street on School Drive. Margaret Carmichael cut the ribbon in a ceremony attended by many prominent Sierra Vista citizens. She donated the land for the school, which was dedicated to the memory of her late husband, William. The original buildings remain on Carmichael Avenue, and over the years the school has been upgraded with new classrooms, a gymnasium, and expanded playgrounds. It has also been recognized for excellent educational programs and staff, receiving many prestigious awards, including the honor of Arizona's Distinguished Title I School.