Mission Statement

In order that they may become lifelong learners with a love for learning, our mission is to enable all children in our school community to:

• Develop to their capacity the skills necessary for being productive citizens.
• Use their knowledge to maintain, strengthen, and improve our American democratic way of life.
• Cultivate and practice positive attitudes by developing to their potential--mentally, physically, morally, and emotionally.

2701 Sybil Drive
Mesquite, Texas 75149
Phone: 972-882-7260

Joseph Columbus Rugel

The original Rugel Elementary School was built as a six-classroom structure in 1965. In 1967 and 1977, additions were made to the building. The school was named for Mr. Joseph Columbus Rugel. J.C. Rugel was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee, on March 19, 1853. Mr. Rugel moved to Texas in 1873 and settled in Mesquite in 1874. He taught in the first school in Mesquite, which was a one-room log cabin. Several years later, he entered business with the late Thomas F. Nash establishing a hardware store in Mesquite known as Nash & Rugel. Mr. Rugel also held a variety of elected offices. He served as a state legislator from 1886 to 1888, mayor of Mesquite, Justice of the Peace, and as president of the Mesquite School Board. Mr. Rugel died on January 29, 1929.

Visit our Middle and High Schools

Rugel Elementary School feeds into McDonald Middle School and North Mesquite
High School. It is a part of the Mesquite Independent School District.