About Us :: History

The first elementary school on this campus began in 1910 at the inception of the larger institution (now known as Fletcher Academy, Inc.). Classes met for the first four years in the old Byers Plantation House. In 1914 John Brownsberger built the first school house.

In 1920 Mrs. Marguerite Jasperson came to teach at the elementary school. She became principal in 1926, a position she held for 26 years.

The next school building was built in 1930 up on the hill near the present facility. It had one large room, heated by a wood stove. In 1950 Captain W. W. Gilmer, a retired Naval Captain who served in World War I, donated $2,000 for the addition of another classroom and two inside bathrooms. In gratitude for this gift, the school was named in his honor. In 1971 the present facility was built. Today we continue in the rich history that precedes us.