Ronald Reagan Fundamental School first began as a pilot project and “alternative” or “magnet” school within the Crane Elementary School District. The pilot project began in the school year of 1983-84, with principal, Barry Sutter. The program consisted of only six classrooms, first through sixth grade, and was housed on the east side of the H.L. Suverkrup campus. The following year, Scott Jackson became the principal when the permanent building on 16th Street was opened.

The magnet school concept for a “Back to Basics” curriculum was the vision and concept supported and promoted by the administration. The program was modeled after an alternative school in Mesa, called Ben Franklin. A team of parents, teachers, and administrators toured several magnet programs throughout Arizona and California to develop their own philosophy and curriculum.