In 1872, fifteen families living in what is now Bear Valley Springs joined together to build a schoolhouse to provide education and community structure for their children. The original building stood near the present-day Bear Valley Springs Fire Dept. In its early years, it served between 15 and 25 students of varying ages and grade levels, and it usually closed during winter and harvest times. Subjects included English, Geography, Reading, Arithmetic, and Penmanship. The first teacher employed by the community was Mr. John Hickey, who served until 1876 and later became Tehachapi's second Mayor. Three more teachers followed: Emma Varnack from 1877 to 1880, Miss M.E. Maulden from 1880 to 1881, and Miss Thompson from 1882 to 1888. During the next 30 years, the school-age population slowly dwindled as Fred Fickert bought out neighbors to expand his ranch. In 1912, the schoolhouse was permanently closed and moved to the Fickert Ranch, where it served as a bunkhouse for many years. In 1969, Dart Industries began developing the planned community of Bear Valley Springs. In 1970, the schoolhouse was moved from the Fickert Ranch to its present location behind the Bear Valley Market. It later underwent extensive restoration by the BVS Historical Society, and in 2020 it was donated to the BVS Association for care and upkeep.