History of the J. B. Norwood Mexican School explained and explored.

J. B. Norwood Mexican School is one of Travis County’s many forgotten schools. This school was one of the 12 Mexican schools in the county. Only so much history is known about this school. This news article will explain history behind this school and the politics that came along with it.

The J. B. Norwood Mexican School was built at Emma Browning Avenue (then Johnson Road) next to J. B. Norwood Negro School in 1929 during the 1929-1930 term. J. B. Norwood Mexican School served the educational needs of Mexican children in grades 1 through 7.

The Austin American noted that attendance at J. B. Norwood Mexican School had nearly doubled in 1930 to about 83 students. (Ref: Austin American-Statesman, Page 10, Wednesday, January 7, 1931)

“Attendance at the newly organized J. B. Norwood Mexican School has nearly doubled since its opening Monday, Dec 29, according to the county superintendent's office. The attendance at the first meeting of the school was 17. Attendance last Monday was 83. Miss Cordelia Ross is the teacher of the school.”

“NORWOOD SCHOOL INSPECTED Inspection of the new J. B. Norwood Mexican School building was made Tuesday by Mrs. George R. Felter, county superintendent. The new building was constructed recently to meet the needs of Mexican children in the J. B. Norwood District.”

(Ref: Austin American-Statesman, Page 2, Tuesday, August 2, 1932)


When the Bergstrom Air Force Base was being built in 1933, School District No. 66 was forced to relocate its schools elsewhere. Finally after much delay, School District No. 66 relocated its schools in 1935. After many students were displaced, the “J. B. Norwood Schools” and the school district itself were consolidated into Colorado Common School District (now Del Valle ISD). All students from School District #66 attended Del Valle schools. All J. B. Norwood Schools were relocated to Norwood Lane & Burleson Road (FM 812) in Austin, Texas in the same year.

J. B. Norwood Mexican School was shut down and demolished for good by 1938. No trace of this school remains today as an airport runway has paved over the property.

J. B. Norwood Mexican School was located on Emma Browning Avenue, Austin, Texas, US 78719.