History of Nancy Cory
Nancy Cory Elementary School proudly opened its doors at the beginning of the 1989–1990 school year, marking an important milestone for the Lancaster School District. It was the first new school built by the district in nearly 35 years, reflecting the tremendous growth of the Antelope Valley community.
Although construction was not completed in time for the first day of school, the Nancy Cory community embraced the challenge with determination and school spirit. The first staff meeting was held in the library at El Dorado Elementary School, while students and teachers began the year in portable classrooms located on the Sunnydale and Sierra Elementary campuses. Under the leadership of founding principal Dr. Howard Sundberg, the school community remained united during this unique beginning.
By the end of September 1989, students and staff proudly moved into their beautiful new campus. Nancy Cory Elementary was the only newly opened school that year with a permanent building. Our sister school, Lincoln Elementary, also welcomed its first students during the 1989–1990 school year, operating entirely from portable classrooms on the site where it remains today.
More than three decades later, Nancy Cory Elementary continues to build on that strong foundation by providing a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and lead with kindness.
Honoring Nancy Keochakian Cory
Nancy Cory Elementary School was named in honor of Nancy Keochakian Cory, an extraordinary educator whose passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to children continue to inspire our school community.
Born on April 8, 1931, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nancy moved to California with her family in 1946. She graduated from Wilson High School in Los Angeles before earning her Associate of Arts degree from John Muir Junior College in Pasadena. She later earned both her Bachelor's Degree (1957) and Master's Degree (1965) from Los Angeles State College.
Nancy began her teaching career on September 9, 1954, at Cedar Street School in Lancaster. During her remarkable 33-year career, she dedicated herself entirely to the Lancaster School District, teaching students in grades 2 through 5 at Cedar Street, Joshua, Sierra, and Monte Vista Schools.
A lifelong learner, Nancy earned multiple professional credentials in teaching, counseling, and school administration. She also co-authored three educational books and developed curriculum that enriched social studies instruction throughout the Lancaster School District. Her innovative work helped provide instructional resources to classrooms and shaped fourth-grade studies on Japan for years to come.
Nancy believed learning should be engaging, meaningful, and memorable. She brought lessons to life through drama, music, dance, choral speaking, art, poetry, and public speaking. She inspired students to explore, discover, and believe in themselves, viewing teaching not simply as a profession, but as a true labor of love.
Her excellence in education was recognized throughout her career. In 1987, the Antelope Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored her as the Outstanding Teacher of American History. She also served in numerous educational and community organizations, reflecting her commitment to both her profession and the Lancaster community.
District Principal Robert Lloyd perhaps described her best:
"An outstanding teacher who instilled in each student a deep sense of pride for work, classmates, school and country. Each year our American family has a few more polished jewels added to its setting as a result of the masterful touch of this outstanding teacher, Nancy Keochakian Cory."
Nancy passed away on December 9, 1987, at the age of 56. While her life was far too short, her influence lives on through the thousands of students she inspired and the school that proudly bears her name.
Today, Nancy Cory Elementary continues to honor her legacy by fostering respect, responsibility, perseverance, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning. Every student who walks through our doors becomes part of the enduring legacy of Nancy Keochakian Cory.
