Gertrude School was originally built in 1878 by John Haley and named after his wife, Gertrude. It was first situated at the base of Potters Ridge across the Fresno River in Fresno County. In 1893, the school was relocated to the Crooks Ranch. In 1913, a new school was built at this site, where it stands today, and it was remodeled in 1937. Carol Pritchard was the last eighth-grade student to graduate in June 1962. Jenny Nichols was the first teacher, and Robin Harris, the principal, and Leonard Brown were the last teachers when the school closed in November 1964.