Fay E. Fryberger

History of Fryberger Elementary School

The history of Fay E. Fryberger Elementary School began under the name The Goldenwest School, so named for its proximity to Goldenwest Street, following the practice of naming schools after nearby streets or cities. As residential development expanded in the northern section of Westminster, the Westminster School District initiated plans in 1961 to acquire land south of Garden Grove Boulevard and Goldenwest Street, to meet the educational needs of the growing community. Construction of Goldenwest School commenced shortly thereafter, and the campus officially opened to students in 1963 under the leadership of esteemed Westminster educator, Miss Fay E. Fryberger.

Miss Fryberger was a native of Reno, Nevada, where she initially pursued a career teaching high school English. Following a period of travel throughout the Americas, she earned her master’s degree from George Washington University. At that time, Westminster School District Superintendent John Land was actively recruiting talented educators from across the country to serve in the district’s expanding network of schools. Fryberger was hired by the Westminster School District and began teaching 8th grade at 17th Street School.

At the age of 32, Miss Fryberger was appointed as the first Vice Principal of Johnson Middle School, where she worked under the mentorship of Principal Helen Stacey. She later returned to 17th Street School, this time as principal, before ultimately being selected to lead the newly established Goldenwest School. Miss Fryberger's leadership was tested in October 1965, when a gas line was accidentally cut, necessitating the swift and orderly evacuation of the school’s students. Her decisive actions and calm leadership during this incident were widely commended.

Miss Fryberger remained principal of Goldenwest School for twelve years, providing steady leadership and fostering a strong sense of community until her passing on June 19, 1976, following a battle with cancer. In recognition of her service and lasting impact on the school and its students, the Westminster School District renamed the campus Fay E. Fryberger Elementary School by the end of that summer. Miss Fryberger left an enduring legacy in Westminster. She was known for encouraging students to strive for personal and academic excellence, with many former students remembering her as an inspiring and transformative figure in their lives.