Located on 18 acres, Steger opened as a junior high school in 1960.

It was designed by HOK--Hellmuth, Obata and Kassbaum Architects.  The architects designed a "solar screen" to control light, reduce street noise distractions and provide exterior protection to the building. The entrance to the school was from a broad sidewalk into an interior courtyard surrounded by buildings on three sides. Named for Leonard Steger, former superintendent of schools, it became the district's Sixth Grade Center in 1983 after extensive remodeling and expansion.

The building has also been used as an elementary school and currently houses the Givens Elementary on its lower level.