School History

Green Valley School was built in 1915 at the southeast corner of Rock Springs and Blackwell Roads, which was on the extreme northern edge of the city. In 1925, a new brick and stone structure was built. It was called the "model school". In 1929, it was decided to rename the school in honor of the World War I Army General from Missouri who headed the American Expeditionary Forces.

Additions have been made through time, one in 1953, and again in 1963 when the front half of the building was added. After the bond election in 2001, a new gymnasium and stage were built onto the west side of the building. The kitchen was also rebuilt at that time. The new library/LRC, constructed out of the old gym and a Kindergarten room, was completed one year later. Pershing holds a distinction that no other school has. The area was not annexed until 1926, but the school from its beginning was always a part of the St. Joseph School District.