In the early and mid-twentieth century ranch schools became an important part of the educational system in many western states and Arizona led the nation in total number.

The concept set high academic standards but also put strong emphasis on the ideals of the American Old West, rugged outdoor activities, and independence of spirit.

The land the schoolhouse is on was homesteaded by Harry Fryer in 1917 and in 1940 it was bought by Buel and Katharine Hutchinson who named it The Little Outfit Ranch.

The people who founded the Little Outfit Ranch School, Katharine ("Kit") and Buel Hutchinson, moved from Chicago with their three children; Ann, Mary and Ned in 1940.

She taught English to the older boys and she was quick to seize opportunities for exciting learning like Tucson rodeos, Christmastime trips deep into Mexico, and witnessing the mustering out of the last of the Army's Indian Scouts at Fort Huachuca.

She was also quick in making up songs about life at the Little Outfit, wonderful at organizing elaborate graduation ceremonies, and all the while keeping parents well informed on how their boys were doing.

He was a natural with the boys and an excellent teacher – both academically and athletically (Buel held the record for the longest touchdown run in football for the University of Chicago).

Because it is a fine example of the ranch school education which was so important in Arizona in the early years of the twentieth century, The Little Outfit Schoolhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 8, 2009.