History
Sept. 27, 1967: Plane crashes into Bradfield Elementary
Bradfield students show off their prize pumpkin during fall activities in 1992.
Neighborhood kids from Bradfield dress up as cowboys to protect the town from outlaws in 1935.
A group photo of a first–grade class at Bradfield during the 1978–79 school year.
Opened in 1926, John S. Bradfield Elementary School is one of Highland Park ISD's oldest campuses and has served generations of students for a century. The school was named in honor of John Sherman Bradfield, a Highland Park School Board president whose leadership helped guide the district during its early years and helped secure the land on which the school was built.
Throughout its history, Bradfield has reflected the growth of both Highland Park ISD and the Park Cities community. As enrollment increased during World War II, the campus adapted to meet student needs. By the mid-1940s, enrollment had grown to nearly 800 students, requiring portions of the gymnasium and auditorium to be converted into classrooms, and some first-grade students attended school on split schedules. During the war, the Bradfield PTA supported the community through Red Cross projects, sewing initiatives, and other volunteer efforts.
One of the most unique events in campus history occurred in 1967 when a small airplane crashed into the north side of the school. Fortunately, students had been dismissed early that afternoon and no students were in the building. The incident remains one of the most memorable moments in Bradfield's history.
In 1988, Bradfield became the first HPISD elementary school to adopt an official mascot. Following a student-led contest, the Bronco was selected, establishing a tradition that continues today and helping shape the school's identity for future generations of students.
As part of Bond 2015, the original Bradfield campus was replaced with a new facility. During the 2018–19 school year, students temporarily attended classes at Hyer Elementary while construction was underway. The new Bradfield Elementary campus opened in August 2019, blending modern learning environments with the school's longstanding traditions.
In 2026, Bradfield celebrated its Centennial, marking 100 years of educational excellence. Students, staff, families, and alumni commemorated the milestone through yearlong celebrations, community events, a historic time capsule project, and the dedication of a new turf playfield known as "The BradFIELD," honoring a century of Bronco pride.
Key Milestones
- 1926 — John S. Bradfield Elementary School opens.
- 1940 — Bradfield PTA is officially chartered.
- 1940s — Campus expands to accommodate growing enrollment during World War II.
- 1967 — A small airplane crashes into the north side of the school; no students are injured.
- 1988 — Bradfield adopts the Bronco mascot, becoming the first HPISD elementary school with an official mascot.
- 2018–19 — Students temporarily relocate to Hyer Elementary during campus reconstruction.
- 2019 — New Bradfield Elementary campus opens.
- 2026 — Bradfield celebrates its Centennial and dedicates The BradFIELD.