THE HISTORY OF BURTON HILL ELEMENTARY 

Fort Worth Education

 Fort Worth originated as a military outpost in 1849 at the confluence of the West and Clear Forks of the Trinity River. The fort was abandoned a few years later but the community that grew up around it survived and eventually thrived.  On September 1, 1879, six rented buildings were opened as schools. In December 1881, Miss M. Sue Huffman was appointed “superintendent of the public free schools.  Public schools were officially opened on October 2, 1882. Schools were established in rented or donated buildings.

 Burton Hill Elementary School opened in March 1958, serving neighborhoods near Carswell Air Force Base. Designed by Harkrider, Clark and Jones, and constructed by James T. Taylor and Son.  The International-influenced building originally contained 24 permanent classrooms, an art room, kindergarten room, and library. The building was mostly constructed of brown brick with yellow brick used between windows. The large window openings generally contained five sets of multiple-light metal hopper windows; most have been partially infilled with panels.  A new addition was added through the 1999 bond program. 

 The school closed in the 1980’s due to the closing of Carswell Airforce Base.  The school opened again in the late 1980’s, and remains a thriving school today!   It is potentially eligible for listing on the National Register upon the attainment of 50 years of age for its significance in the field of education in the community of Westworth Village.