Cherry Mountain School

Next open house or event

Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Plan to spend the day at the school grounds as we will also hold our Evening BBQ and Live Auction and Raffle activities from 4-8 p.m..

Check our Events Calendar for other Friends-sponsored events to attend.

School Club Activities

Today, the buildings are owned by the Cherry Mountain Community Club and are used for meetings, weddings, reunions, and special parties.

Visits or Tours

To schedule a visit or tour when the school isn't conducting a scheduled open house, call the Cave Creek rental contact person below or complete our Contact Us form and select Cherry Mountain School from the dropdown. Include the date/time of your request along with details.

Rental Contact

Donnie Schuch
830-669-2855

Driving Directions

#16 on the driving map (Route A) located on 2866 Cherry Mountain Loop.

photo of Cherry Mountain School

A brief history of Cherry Mountain School

Built in 1926. Consolidated in 1949. Discipline was strict in the family homes and at school. There was a threat of the "switch" or paddle, but few children suffered this. Most common was that the "mischief" maker had to stay in the classroom during recess. Sometimes a pupil would have to stand facing the blackboard with their nose "stuck" in a chalk-drawn ring. Standing in the corner or by the teacher's desk was also common.

History of Cherry Mountain School

In 1883, 10 students enrolled for classes in their new school at Cherry Mountain, northwest of Fredericksburg, on land donated by Carl Durst. The first school building was a log cabin type to which a room constructed of limestone was later added. Teachers lived on the property in the loft or with close neighbors.

photo collage of Cherry Mountain SchoolWhen the school first started, drinking water was obtained from the William Thiele residence located about 250 yards from the school. Later, a well was drilled on the school property. At first, children drank water from a bucket using a single dipper. Later, students brought their own collapsible cups that were kept in their desks.

A second school was built in 1926. Otto Thiele donated approximately 1½ acres for this new school. Ed Roos did the masonry work, Fritz Rummler was the carpenter, and Otto Kentron and Otto Schuch were helpers. J. F. Oehler was the first teacher at the new school. Enrollment in the first year was 39 students, with 36 in attendance the second year. The first school started with five grades, with two more added later, followed by an eighth. In 1927-28, a ninth grade was also taught. Night school for eighth and ninth grades was added in 1931-33. Reinhold Weber was the teacher at the time. The school consolidated with Fredericksburg ISD in 1949.

image of news article featuring Cherry Mountain school

Photo Gallery

Click on an image below for a larger version.

photo #1 Cherry Mountain School
photo #2 Cherry Mountain School
photo #3 Cherry Mountain School

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