The Little Red Schoolhouse, established in 1960, is in its 50th year of continuous operation under the same leadership. The co-founders, Sara Alford and Wanda Mitchell were both Mesquite ISD teachers, experienced in teaching phonetic reading. They embraced those principles while writing a phonetic program appropriate for the first grade and kindergarten child. Later the program was modified for the younger pre-kindergarten child to instill a firm phonetic foundation. This innovative approach to reading has been used successfully for 50 years at LRSH.

This quaint, colorful and charming little red schoolhouse is in the historic Dr. Stevens home, one of Mesquite’s early physicians. It serves as a half step from home to institution with its intimate feel.

Teachers are degreed, most with advanced degrees, and they have one most important qualification: they are mothers of LRSH students. Graduates of LRSH number in the thousands and are leaders of their communities today, including the Mayor of Mesquite. Generations of families have become part of the LRSH family. LRSH is one of the oldest schools in Dallas County still operating under an original founder.