The city of Arlington is flanked by the Stillaguamish River with a history as a logging and agricultural area. Originally, there were two separate towns: Arlington and Haller City. Eventually, those who settled in Haller City moved to Arlington.

In 1884-1885, plans were made for the first school in the Arlington area. In 1885, the newly formed district 16 was established at Kent’s Prairie. The original school building was made of cedar wood and Native Americans brought the flooring from Stanwood to Gifford’s landing by canoe and then dragged by mules to the school. There were 12 Native American children and two Caucasian children when the school opened. In 1889, the school increased to 30 students.

Additional schools opened around 1887, including Trafton and Haller City. By 1894 the Lincoln school was added and started with two rooms before expanding to four rooms. In 1893, Garfield School was built and took the place of Kent’s Prairie School. The first high school classes were held in the Garfield School in 1904-1905.

In 1904, Haller City District No. 50 and Arlington District No. 16 became School District No. 89 at the time the two cities incorporated. In 1908, $15,000 was voted for a new high school building with classes beginning on September 14, 1908. The new high school was named the Washington School. At the same time, the small neighboring schools from Edgecomb, Island, Trafton, Lake Riley, Ebey, Sisco Heights, Halterman, Greenwood, Oso, Cicero, Jordan, Jim Creek, Lower Pilchuck and Loyal Heights consolidated into the Arlington Public Schools.

In 1921, The Roosevelt School was built for the 4th through 12th grade students living in Arlington. The Roosevelt building is still in use for the district administration office. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) opened a camp in Darrington in 1933 due to the loss of jobs when the mills closed down. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a new high school in 1936 along with sidewalks in the area. The high school is still being used by Arlington Public Schools and houses the Operations Department including Child Nutrition, Custodial, Grounds, and Maintenance.

Arlington Public Schools has nine operating schools: one traditional high school, one alternative high school, two middle schools, four elementary schools and a parent-partner program. The district also includes Developmental and ECEAP preschool programs.