Before 1956 the children of Crest attended Meridian Elementary School.  By 1952 more and more people were moving to Crest. The dream of a school in Crest was becoming a reality.  

In 1953 John Montgomery, Superintendent of Cajon Valley Union School District, held a meeting with interested parents for the purpose of forming a committee to take a census for future student population in Crest.  It was necessary to have approximately 200 to 250 students before the school Board would consider the need for a school. The census had to be taken for three years to be sure the population would not decrease substantially.  After a third census, the School Board submitted the request for funding and necessary permits.

As a result of everyone’s efforts, Crest School was built and opened in September of 1956.  The single wing next to the parking lot was the entire school. Rex Dahms was our first Principal, Miriam Smith, the Secretary, and Herman Bontrager, the Custodian.  The first PTA was formed during that summer and Vivian Thurman was elected president.

Things got underway quickly. Polio shots were made available for $1 each.  “Mothers Singers” was organized by Mona Thomas, a former singer with Fred Waring and his orchestra.  

Dewey Jenkins worked at Crest School for 24 years and can say the parents were wonderful.  

(Submitted to the Echoes Newsletter by Dewey Longhlin Jenkins and Totsy Loughlin Vance- January 1999)