Cherry Spring School was built in 1885, with the pavilion added in 1935. The school served the Cherry Spring community until 1962, when it was consolidated with Fredericksburg ISD.

One of Cherry Spring’s most distinctive features is its historic stage curtain. During the school year, the pavilion's stage area was converted into a classroom by installing movable walls across the front of the stage. The colorful canvas curtain, purchased in the mid-1950s, remained rolled above the proscenium during the school year and was lowered for school closing plays.

The curtain, which features a landscape scene surrounded by advertisements for local merchants, is now displayed in the restored and remodeled pavilion. Six original stage curtains still remain at Gillespie County’s historic schools, and several businesses advertised on them are still operating today.

Classes for the children of German immigrants in the Cherry Spring community were first held in local homes. In 1885, a 31-by-23-foot schoolhouse was built of locally quarried limestone on land donated by H. Bratherich. On dedication day, students marched in a parade from the homes where classes had been held to the new school building.

Cherry Spring School, District No. 16, added a large pavilion in 1936, despite the hardships of the Great Depression. The pavilion’s stage area included movable walls, allowing it to serve as a second classroom during the school year. Grades one through five met in the “Little Room” on the stage, while grades six through nine met in the original rock schoolhouse, known as the “Big Room.”

In the early years, students walked, rode bicycles, or came to school on horseback. Saddles were stored in the “saddle shed,” where horses remained tied until school was dismissed. One student in the 1920s even rode a donkey to school. Almost every morning at 11:45 a.m., the donkey would bray, signaling lunchtime for everyone.

Enrollment and teacher salaries provide a glimpse into school life over the years. In 1903, the school had 41 students, and the teacher earned $35. In 1910, enrollment increased to 53 students, and the teacher’s salary was $50. By 1920, 48 students attended, and the teacher earned $82.50. Until the 1950s, teachers often boarded with families in the community.

Each May, the entire community looked forward to the school closing celebration. Neighbors and friends gathered for visiting, oompah music, plays, baseball games, and barbecue. Hundreds of pounds of meat were prepared on the large open pit to feed the crowds.

Cherry Spring School served the community until 1962, when it was consolidated with Fredericksburg ISD. During its 76 years as a school, nearly 400 students and 42 teachers passed through its doors. Today, Cherry Spring School remains a landmark of early education in Gillespie County. A state historical marker was placed on the rock school building on May 11, 1990.