Desert Sun School

The Final Months of the Desert Sun School & TEPPS
Riverside Press-Enterprise & Los Angeles Times Articles, 1990-1992

Elliott-Pope grads get diplomas
(The final graduation ceremony held on campus)
Sunday, June 3, 1990

Finance problem sinks Elliott-Pope private school
(Board of trustees votes to close the school after 60 years of operation)
November 30, 1990

Desert Sun School was started in 1930 for children at ranch
(A brief history of the Desert Sun School)
November 30, 1990

Teacher's 35-Year Job Fading Away
(Joe Richert leaves the only teaching job he's ever known)
December 10, 1990

Prep School to Close
(Alice Wier says goodbye after almost 40 years of living on campus)
December 15, 1990

School's Out... Forever
Dipping enrollment, recession force Idyllwild campus to close after 60 years
(Elliott-Pope closure and final days)
December 23, 1990

Shutdown school would need cash to be put to use
(Community debates possible plans for TEPPS property)
January 18, 1991

Former Elliott-Pope teachers argue their contract violated
(TEPPS teachers hire lawyer to force payment of contract)
February 20, 1991

Arts academy goes forward while crisis hits education
(Idyllwild Arts Academy is granted academic accreditation)
November 1, 1992

Do you recognize this sign?

It's a real-life mystery that has endured nearly two decades. After being missing in action for 19 years, the long-lost Desert Sun School sign has resurfaced. Rumor has it that this sign hanged at the entrance to the Desert Sun School at the top of Saunders Meadow Road from at least 1963 until the name of the school was changed to the Elliott-Pope Preparatory School in 1984. The artifact was recently located by an anonymous finder. Where has it been all these years? If you have any information about the case of the missing sign, please email David Gotfredson, '80.

Historical Photos

Do you know who the people in these 1970 photos are? If so, please email the webmaster.

History

Do you recognize this sign?

Historical Photos

Links