About Us

Mathews Elementary School commemorates Benjamin Franklin Mathews (1827–1878), an early settler, farmer, and skilled carpenter who came to the Plano area in 1847 as part of the Peters Colony settlement of North Texas. Plano, Texas was then a developing frontier community, and settlers like Mathews played an important role in establishing the area.

Benjamin Franklin Mathews was born in Oldham County, Kentucky, on February 24, 1827. On May 7, 1846, he married Mary Ann Yager, also of Oldham County. In 1847, Mathews, his wife, and their eldest daughter moved to Texas and settled near the headwaters of Spring Creek.

After arriving, Mathews began clearing land and developing a farm. In addition to farming, he was known for his carpentry skills and built a number of homes for neighbors and fellow settlers. One home he constructed in 1867 still stands today—though altered—known as the Joe Forman House, located at 1617 Avenue K in downtown Plano.

Benjamin and Mary Ann Mathews raised eight children, and the family remained closely connected to the development of the Plano community. Two other Plano Independent School District campuses—Clark High School and Davis Elementary School—are named for two of Mathews’ sons-in-law.

Through the naming of Mathews Elementary School, the legacy of Benjamin Franklin Mathews and his contributions to the early development of the Plano area continue to be remembered and honored.

• We believe that a key to academic success is the partnership between students, parents, teachers, and the community.
• We believe this partnership should provide a safe, nurturing, supportive, and challenging environment where students feel good about themselves.
• We believe self-respect, respect for others, tolerance, and acceptance for others greatly influence academic success.
• We believe education should produce motivated, independent thinkers who value diversity, education, and their own abilities.
• We believe education is constantly changing and the integration of technology is important for the future.
• We believe education should provide the stimulus by which each student will be challenged to reach his/her potential.
• We believe the curriculum should provide the necessary skills to prepare each student for a successful life in the every day world.
• We believe educators should continue to grow through staff development opportunities.
• We believe Mathews Elementary must develop the unique social and emotional potential of each child in a high expectations environment.