Machado School

Machado School is more than a rural classroom—it is a reflection of how a growing agricultural community invested in its future, one generation at a time.

The story began on June 5, 1895, when local landowner Bernard S. Machado donated a 1.5-acre parcel along Llagas Creek to establish a school for the children of nearby farming families in the Paradise Valley.

Machado School became one of the earliest formal centers of education in the region. The original structure was a simple, one-room wooden schoolhouse that served students of all ages.

Its first teacher, Annie Britton, taught every subject, across multiple grade levels, adapting lessons to meet the needs of each child in the room.

As Morgan Hill’s agricultural community grew, so did the school. In 1910 it was expanded into a two-room schoolhouse, allowing for separation of older grade levels and a more structured learning environment.

Among its early students was Erna (or Edna) Purcell, remembered as the first student to graduate from the eighth grade at Machado—an important milestone at a time when many children’s formal education ended early to support family farming work.

By the early 20th century, Machado School had become part of a broader network of rural districts feeding into more education opportunities, including what would become Live Oak High School, established in 1904.

The two-room school continued to be used until May 1967 when it was determined that the building did not meet earthquake safety standards. A portable classroom was then added to the site behind the old school and used to accommodate instruction for the early primary grades until 2003.

The old building was closed, used only for storage and gradually fell into a state of disrepair. Local citizens who wanted to preserve the original school formed the Machado School Heritage Society. Under its leadership,the building was restored and dedicated as a historic site in May 1983. By the early 2000s, the school found new life, as the restored school was turned into a living history experience for Morgan Hill students. The school has also become a popular community center, used for family gatherings and other events.

The historic Machado School is not just a former schoolhouse. Although formal classes have not been held there in nearly 40 years, it remains as a living bridge between where early Morgan Hill education began and continues to serve students today.