Built in 1935 through a Works Progress Administration (WPS) project during the dust bowl era, Frenship ISD was established as four communities – Wolfforth, Hurlwood, Carlisle, and Foster – came together to better serve their students as one district.

 

The building, tucked away on Main Street in Wolfforth, has been a landmark filled with history and memories over the last 90 years. From the very first graduating class of 1936, the original building continued to serve as the high school until the new Frenship High School campus was built in 1982.

 

Even prior to the 1980s, before FHS moved to its new location, part of the building also housed middle school students, first known as Frenship Junior High and later Frenship Middle School. But to many, it’s more than just a building.

 

“It wasn’t just the bricks and walls that made it special; it was the people and the experiences inside. Generations of families passed through those doors, creating traditions and a sense of belonging that was unique to FMS. The building carried the legacy of the community, and every corner held stories that connected past to present,” said Crystal Alvarado, Frenship Middle School Principal.

 

While memories were built, the building itself saw many changes over the years. Starting in the 1950s to the early 2000s, the building continued to expand with additions of gyms, auditoriums, the east and west wings, science labs, and more. It also saw many renovations over the years to ensure the campus remained equitable as Frenship added new middle school campuses.

 

Then, with the passage of the 2020 Bond to build Frenship ISD’s second high school, Frenship Memorial High School, there was no longer a need for a Ninth Grade Center (NGC) as freshmen would attend FHS or MHS. However, the NGC was an extension of FHS and shared facilities at the high school, such as the band hall, choir hall, and other athletic facilities. 

 

As part of the 2020 Bond, Frenship began the conversion of the NGC building to create a stand-alone middle school with facilities that are equitable to other Frenship middle schools. Those additions included a fine arts wing with band and choir halls, and athletic facilities such as a practice field and a game day field designated specifically for the middle school. 

 

“The move took a great deal of planning and teamwork. We spent months organizing classrooms, packing up materials, and carefully coordinating with staff to make sure the transition was smooth,” said Alvarado. “Teachers, custodians, administrators, and even students played a role in making sure everything we valued from the old building found its place in the new one. It was truly a community effort.”

 

Alvarado says the move has been marked by a lot of emotion – sadness of leaving Frenship ISD’s oldest building, but also excitement for a new and fresh campus, marking a new era for Frenship Middle School.

 

“Students are enjoying the updated classrooms, two stories, stairs, and collaborative spaces that make learning more engaging. Staff appreciate the openness and the design that support cohesiveness in both teaching and student growth. While the old building will always hold a special place in our hearts, the new one gives everyone a sense of pride and energy for the future,” said Alvarado.

 

But the legacy of Frenship’s very first campus is not over. Designated as one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas, the district sees a 2-5% increase in student enrollment each year. This school year, Frenship welcomed a record number of more than 12,000 students and 1,500 staff.

 

Over the next year, the building will be transformed into the Frenship ISD Professional Learning Center, a place to help accommodate Frenship’s growth by providing more learning and professional development spaces for staff, meeting areas, and more. A part of the building will also eventually be designated as the new home of the Reese Education Center, once again filling the hallways with students.

 

“Leaving the old building was bittersweet. For decades, it was a place filled with memories - many sporting, fine arts events, first days of school, and countless milestones,” said Alvarado. “Many alumni, parents, and staff members could walk through those halls and instantly recall the laughter, challenges, and friendships that shaped their lives. While there was excitement about moving forward, it was also emotional to close a chapter in a building that held so much history.”

 

One thing is certain: while there may not be students and teachers at the original building this year, where Frenship’s story began, its story is far from over.