In 2002-2003, the old Seven Mile Elementary was torn down and rebuilt. During that time, the 7Mile Elementary children went to Canyon Day Elementary, which hosts the Junior High students today. The land on which this impressive school stands was graciously donated to the Whiteriver Unified School District by Mary Velasquez Riley. Mary V. Riley was a strong advocate for tribal education and fought for better schools so that her Apache people could move into the future while preserving their tribal traditions. The Mary Velasquez Riley Seven Mile School measures 74,000 square feet and provides a secure and motivational environment for 650 students. The school includes 28 classrooms, special education rooms, offices, a gymnasium, cafeteria, library, and playing fields.

This new building was greatly needed, as the old Seven Mile building was too small for the growing population and full of problems that affected student/staff safety and made instruction difficult. The Mary Velasquez Riley Seven Mile School is a wonderful place where children, teachers, and support staff meet tomorrow’s education challenges.