Canal Zone Schools
Photographs from the PCM Collection showing buildings in the Canal Zone that were in use by the public school system between 1906 and 1999.
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School Days in the Canal Zone
Panama Canal Review, August 7, 1956 In honor of the end of summer vacation and the first week of school for the Fall 2021 semester here at the University of Florida we are posting a few objects from the collection that many of you might recognize as well as some stories that describe getting ready for the first week of school for many Canal Zone students.
Panama Canal Review, September 3, 1954 Once everyone had either arrived back in the Canal Zone from vacation or had finished up their Summer Recreation Program, the commissaries were there to help with everything the students needed from the latest trends in clothes and shoes to all their school supplies.
Panama Canal Review, August 4, 1950 
Panama Canal Review, August 5, 1955 
Panama Canal Review, August 5, 1955 There was also advice for those students leaving for college.
Panama Canal Review, August 1951. Follow this link for a digital copy of this issue that is easier to read, page 14: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00097366/00225 The school publications were working to make sure the first day of school was a success for Canal Zone students.
Parrakeet, Balboa High School Newspaper, September 9, 1965 
Parents with kids crossing the street on registration day at Balboa Elementary School, Canal Zone. September 5, 1951, 2002.028.002 Gallery of Documents from the Canal Zone Schools. Click the arrows to move through the images: Canal Zone Schools Pass (2001.078.012), Notebook from Curundu Junior High School (II.2019.10.49), Cristobal District School Buss Pass (2005.097.019.004), Canal Zone College Student Handbook 1970-1971 (1999.021.018.001), Registration Form for Canal Zone Schools (2002.152.034)
What do you remember about the first day of school in the Canal Zone Schools? What was your favorite back-to-school purchase from the commissary? Did you ever fill out any of these forms or have a pink hall pass?
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Cheering for the Team
Yet another great sports find! This Cristobal High School cheerleader uniform’s colors are still so vivid. We have some digitized cheers from Balboa High School, what would CHS game attendees cheer back?
Cristobal High School Cheer Uniform, 2011.999.285, Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.
BHS Cheers – 1945-46. PCM Link -
Physical Education Rompers
Does this familiar attire bring back memories of Canal Zone P.E. class? After speaking with some members of the Friends of the PCMC, rompers seem to be making a comeback—-in male fashion! Would you wear one again? Thanks Peggy Huff for the hilarious article link!
The Male Romper Has Come to Claim Your Masculinity. Enjoy It.
Cristobal High School Gym Uniform, 2011.999.283, Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Library, University of Florida 
Cristobal High School Girls, Miss J.J. Banichar, Physical Education Teacher, March 1944. PCM Link You May Also Like
Cheering for the Team
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Canal Zone College
The Canal Zone College occupied various buildings at different points in time, and was also called Canal Zone Junior College, Canal Zone College, and Panama Canal College throughout its history.
Are you an alumni of Canal Zone College? If so, tell us what you remember most about your time as a student!
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Cristobal High School
The first image of a building surrounded by palm trees at the edge of a grassy field is labeled Cristobal High School, however there has been some discussion about whether this is actually a view of CHS.
Can anyone tell us whether it is perhaps a view of a later building or out buildings that were used?
What do you remember most about Cristobal High School? What information do you think we should add to these photos records? Please share with us here in the comments section! -
Paraiso Junior-Senior High School
The 1961 photograph featured here shows an architecturally interesting building that is labeled Paraiso Junior Senior High School Shop.
What are your memories of being a student or teacher at Paraiso Junior-Senior High School?
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Balboa Junior High School
This photograph of Balboa Junior High School is undated. Can anyone help us identify what year this photo may have been taken?
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Balboa High School
Originally, Balboa High School was housed in the building that later became Balboa Elementary School. The iconic Balboa High School building was not erected until 1942.
What are your memories of Balboa High School?
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Diablo/Diablo Heights Elementary and Diablo Junior High School
Several Canal Zone school buildings were used for different grade levels at various times throughout their history; others transferred the school names to new buildings as they were constructed or relocated. Diablo/Diablo Heights Elementary and Diablo Junior High School were part of that practice.
The wooden building pictured was part of a collection of several structures that made up Diablo Elementary School by the 1980s. During that time only the first floor was used for school activities as the second floor was closed for use.
The Diablo Junior High School occupied one of the buildings that were later used as classroom spaces for Diablo Elementary School. There are some conflicting recollections about whether the older wooden building or one of the newer concrete structures housed the junior high students. Either way, Diablo Junior High School was in use in the 1960s between the time Balboa Junior High School closed and Curundu Junior High School was constructed. Once the middle grades were relocated to Curundu the building was used for elementary school activities.
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Curundu Junior High School
This undated aerial photograph features Curundu Junior High School. Do you have any information that could help us add a date to this photo’s record?
The domed building at Curundu Junior High is an interesting architectural feature! Does anyone remember what’s inside?
