the seattle public schools board approved construction of a new high school in the south end of seattle in 1925, after petitioning from residents. the new school, which was named for president grover cleveland in accordance with naming schools after famous americans, opened on january 3, 1927, and graduated its first class in the spring. cleveland high school also initially hosted a middle school, named grover cleveland junior high school, that was moved to asa mercer junior high school in 1957. the school was expanded with a new north wing in 1958, featuring a new metal shop classroom, and facilities for art, band and choir, paid for by a citywide bond issue approved in 1955. a new $1.25 million gymnasium and administrative offices were dedicated by mayor wes uhlman and lieutenant governor john cherberg in 1970.