Birney was built in 1959 to accommodate a growing Redondo Beach City School District. Birney got off to a bright start with just nine classrooms and teachers in Kindergarten through fourth grade led by their new principal, Leila Andrews and Vice Principal, Helen Colwell.. During the first school year, like today, there were plenty of opportunities to get to know your school neighbors including a Christmas Program held at the Community Center, a Fourth Grade Pageant of Early California, and a Family Night Potluck Supper.

Birney School was named in honor of Alice McLellan Birney who, as a mother herself, spent her life advocating for childrens’ education. She co-founded the National Federation of Mothers, which later became the Parent Teachers Association (PTA). Our little school, with a rich tradition of community support that continues to this day, is a living reminder of Alice Birney’s selfless dedication. Birney’s own PTA received its charter on March 17, 1960 and had 100 members enrolled at the reasonable cost of 50 cents per person!