Natalia Independent School District

Natalia Independent School District. Natalia District No. 9, situated in the extreme southeast part of Medina County, was established in 1912 by consolidating several rural districts, which were owned by the San Antonio Suburban Irrigation District. The district encompassed 150,000 acres of the most fertile land to be found in the southland along the International Great Northern Railroad. Now called the Missouri Pacific and Meridian Highway, it passes diagonally through the irrigated lands serving the many families who were transforming the irrigation areas into gardens and orchards equal to or better than those of the Pacific slope or the Florida Peninsula. The northern settlers came to the Natalia area for better opportunities and to enjoy the milder climate. The school was built to accommodate these settlers' families and was modern in every detail, built of brick and two stories high with six classrooms. The school was the first to own its own bus for the transportation of the many children over the San Antonio Suburban Irrigation District. A unique feature was that the school owned its teacherage, a place for the superintendent and his faculty. In 1940, the school system became known as Natalia Independent School District. The district is recognized for its many academic accomplishments, including the status of "Recognized" and "Exemplary" at the elementary and jr. high campuses. Natalia ISD holds the distinction of graduating the commissioner of Texas Education Agency who served from 1984-1991.