Exploring the history of White Oak School in Fredericksburg, Texas.

White Oak School was a school Fredericksburg ISD planned and established in 1890.Land for the school was purchased from John Jordan in 1892 for $1 dollar. Evidence still remains of a foundation from a previous school directly across the road at its original location. Its name derived from the oak trees abundant in the area. In 1900 a school was built on the John Jordan Land.

White Oak School was built in the 1920s as a one-room wooden schoolhouse building with a tin roof. Crude tables and benches were made by the school trustees of Fredericksburg ISD. White Oak School was once located about 20 miles southwest of Fredericksburg. At first, White Oak School only educated students in grades 1 through 7. 8th grade was added later during the later end of the 1920s decade. Throughout the school’s history, White Oak School educated students in grades 1 through 8.

The first teacher was A.D. Fischer. A.D. Fischer earned $30 a month while teaching. A.D. Fischer spoke in English, French, and German. Teachers were required to speak both English and German.

Taxation was based and provided by a flat annual fee. Financial support provided by a flat annual fee with an additional monthly stipend per student. The fee was later increased to $1.45. Families were required to pay an $8 annual fee. Teachers earned $30 a month while teaching.

World War II brought changes to rural schools such as White Oak School among others. Speaking in German was now forbidden. Instruction was to be taught in English. However students often spoke both German and English. The school eventually became a negro school.

The Gilmer-Aikin Law of 1949 resulted in the consolidation of most rural schools in Texas. White Oak School consolidated into Fredericksburg ISD on the date of August 14, 1950. The White Oak School consolidated with Morris Ranch School as cited by The Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools (The Friends of Gillespie County Schools). Patricia Ann Knopp was the last teacher to have taught at White Oak School.

In 1990, Charles Feller and his wife donated the White Oak School to the GILLESPIE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PIONEER MUSEUM. Charles Feller was a former student who attended the school.

Today White Oak School is located at 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, Texas, US 78624 which is now owned and maintained by GILLESPIE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PIONEER MUSEUM.