First schools

According to John Horner's diary, he was "industrious and ambitious. These qualifications impelled me to strive to be the best work-man on the farm, to run faster, and jump further, than anyone else; to be the best ball player, and to always strive to be at the head of any classes at school. I did not always succeed, but was awarded a premium by my teacher, for 'trying harder to learn than any other scholar in school."

The importance of education was also part of Horner's Mormon training. Young Mormons, especially men, are encouraged to advance their educations as far as possible. Before schools were available in California, mothers and fathers had to teach their children at home, just as some parents do today. Since Horner had been a school teacher during the winters in New Jersey he was well aware of children's educational needs. The first two grammar schools were housed in the homes of local residents. In 1851 when Union City was laid out they built a store, a blacksmith shop, a church, and school house.

The first formal school in Alvarado was held in the old home of Captain J.S Marsten on Smith Street. (Union City Historical Museum Newsletter. Sept. 2000. Vol 2. No. 5.) There were five students in the school who paid $5.00 a month Tuition. Marston was one of the first commissioners of Alameda County. The commissioners were supposed to meet in Alvarado which was at that time the county seat. In 1856 the county seat was changed to San Leandro. (History of California vol VII 1860-1890. Hubert Howe Bancroft. p. 441. Wallace Hubberd: Santa Barbara California.)