The Harlingen School District opened a new public school at this site in April 1912 in one of the city's first permanent school buildings. Originally known as the main school, it served students from elementary through high school grades. Graduating classes in the early years usually had ten or fewer students. As school enrollment grew, additional facilities were built in other parts of Harlingen. A new Sam Houston School building was constructed at 301 E. Taft in 1960. Over the years, the school produced some outstanding graduates.