Horace Mann Academic Middle School is one of the first schools specifically built for junior high. Between 1924 and 1932, additions were added as bond issues passed and the city condemned housing for school expansion. The school was closed for earthquake proofing in 1973. In 1983, the name changed to Horace Mann AMS and there is a complete staff and administrative change. Classes are bilingual for everyone, Chinese or Spanish. This is one of the biggest success stories of a school with poor achievement turned into high achievement. At the far right, a tiny bit of a mural peeks out from behind the trees. It was titled: "Look at me when I'm talking to you". By June of 2012, the mural had been painted over.
