The original Whitney School was a two-story building constructed of red bricks. It was annexed into the Boise School District in 1923. The building burned to the ground a year later in 1924. Fortunately, school was not in session when the fire broke out.

A new Whitney School was built in 1925 to house students from the fast - growing West bench area. When growth continued in the early 30's, portable units were moved onto the grounds. Additional portables were added again in 1940 and again in 1944.

In 1936, an addition was built to the main structure. There was a second addition built in 1946 to complete the present day Whitney. Each of the three different parts had three different contractors. In 1977, renovation of the building and in 1989 the roof was repaired.

Whitney has always been a good school and has served the community well. It was one of the first schools to have new playground equipment installed. It was also the first school to have a grass play field. In 1946, Principal Clyde Langlois, tired of the muddy field, came up with the idea of planting grass for the play area. Mr. Langlois took care of the grass the first year, then the School District took over and maintained the grass from then on.

While at Whitney, Mr. Langlois became the first full time principal in the Boise School District. All previous had been teaching principals.