Issue link: http://fairmont.uberflip.com/i/1511157
S ince 1953, Fairmont Schools has been focused on one thing — our students. It's a calling that has served our community well for generations and it continues to propel us forward as we prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world. Whether celebrating the present, embracing the future, or honoring our past, Fairmont students have been – and always will be – at the forefront of everything we champion. This is our story. Fairmont was founded in June 1953 by Kenneth Holt, an educator who pushed for greater instructional autonomy than the public school system would allow for. What is now Orange County's oldest and largest secular, co-educational P-12 private school first began as a humble summer school program, run out of Mr. Holt's Anaheim home. It was wildly popular with its families, who convinced Mr. Holt to remodel his house and open a new school in September of that very same year. Word quickly spread and the demand for what Fairmont was offering led the visionary entrepreneur to take a risk and purchase a larger space – the Carroll Estate on Mable Street in Anaheim. The new location, which is now known as Fairmont Historic Anaheim Campus, welcomed 65 K-8 grade students that September, roughly a month after Disneyland opened its doors just a couple of miles away. In 1959, Mr. Holt and his new wife Helen expanded Fairmont, making additional enhancements in phonics and other highly popular programs — all while building upon a culture of high expectations. The school's enrollment grew to over 500 students by 1979 when Mr. Holt turned over the leadership to his stepson, David R. Jackson – another visionary entrepreneur. Fairmont founded by public school educator and entrepreneur, Kenneth Holt Historic Anaheim Campus opens with 65 K-8 grade students 1953 1955 In 1985, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson saw the need to expand Fairmont's geographic reach and extend its successful personalized and highly academic education to preschool children. Searching for the best existing preschool they could find, they traveled all across Southern California until they found the jewel they were looking for — Town & Country Preschool in Yorba Linda. Over the next several years, Fairmont's first preschool grew to include elementary grades, necessitating a move in 1993 to a larger location — what is now the P-8 Fairmont Anaheim Hills campus. Today, this vibrant, close-knit community boasts an "It's Cool to Be Smart" culture, and students are taught in smaller classes by dedicated, exceptional teachers who are always available to provide what they need for a truly exceptional learning experience. First campus outside of Anaheim boundaries opens 1985 1953-2023