In the late 1930's and early 1940's, Holtville School won national acclaim as one of the foremost examples of the progressive education movement in the U.S. It was one of 33 southern schools chosen in 1938 to receive financial support for developing new educational methods. Under the direction of principal James Chrietzberg, new educational practices were developed largely by local participants. A commitment to progressive reform continued throughout the 1940's, focusing on using the school to improve physical, economic, social, and recreational conditions in the community. Students were given greater responsibility for directing their own education, and the school emphasized learning through work. The main Spanish-style complex was completed in 1929 and retains many of its original features.