[1] Peoria Unified School District #11 began in 1889 in an abandoned grocery store, covering 49 square miles (127 km2).

That same year, Peoria began an integrated English learning program, where non-English speaking Latino students would attend general classes.

[8] In May 2007, the PUSD Governing Board voted to close all high school campuses during lunch entirely by taking away parental choice.

Despite a walkout,[10] continuing rancor and conflict at the board meetings,[citation needed] and a petition signed by over 2600 parents and students,[11] the governing board has stood firm on this, and students are now required to remain on campus during lunch time.

[11] The closed campus policy has remained in high schools throughout the district in the 2007-2008 year, and is scheduled to continue.

"We are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the very best," said Dr. Denton Santarelli, the Peoria Unified School District superintendent.