Lee Schwartz

Early Life and Education

Lee (Frieda Lee) Schwartz was born on October 12, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Herbert and Bernice (Gordan) Schwartz while her father was stationed there during World War II. Soon after, her family returned to El Paso, Texas, where she grew up. She attended Mesita Elementary and Zack White Elementary before beginning her secondary education at El Paso High School in 1957.


During her five years at El Paso High, Lee distinguished herself both academically and in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the Junior and Senior National Honor Societies, ranked in the top 5% of her graduating class of 1962, and was honored as All-EPHS Girl. Her leadership extended across student government and multiple organizations including Girls’ State, Kalevala (Drama Club), PE Leaders, Pan American Club, and the “A” Choir, where she often held leadership roles, culminating in her service as Student Body Treasurer.


Lee went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude, in Biology (Pre-Med) with a second major in Humanities and a minor in Performing Music from Scripps College in Claremont, California, in 1966. She continued her studies at Claremont Graduate School and University, completing a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Special Education in 1968. Between 1977 and 2009, she pursued over 20 postgraduate and continuing education courses, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to learning.


Career in Education

Lee began her teaching career in 1966 at El Roble Junior High School in Claremont, CA, before moving on to San Lorenzo High School in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1969 she returned to El Paso, where she coached a swim team and served as Aquatics Director at the Jewish Community Center.


In 1975, when her son entered kindergarten, she returned to the classroom as a Special Education teacher at El Paso High School, where she would remain for 26 years. At EPHS, she taught Resource Math, English, and Science, and served as Department Chair. She was also a Strategic Instructional Model (SIM) Teacher, Co-teacher, Support Teacher, and Content Mastery Teacher.


From 2001–2004, Lee advanced to leadership roles within the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), serving as Instructional Specialist for Special Populations and as a SIM Trainer. She later expanded her expertise to K–12 instruction, program development, and teacher training across the district.


After retiring from EPISD in 2007, Lee founded Frieda Lee Schwartz, Inc., continuing her work in professional development and school reform nationwide. She has consulted with Native American Reservations in Alaska, the Bureau of Indian Education, Portland Public Schools, Keppel Union School District, Anchorage School District, and EPISD, among others.


Civic and Community Involvement

Lee’s leadership extended beyond the classroom into civic and community service. Her many contributions include:

  • President, EPHS Alumni Association (1984–1988)
  • Department Chair, EPHS Special Education (10 years)
  • Teacher of the Month, EPISD (April 1988)
  • Class Sponsor, EPHS (1993–1997)
  • UIL One Act Play Travel Sponsor (1984–1991)
  • EPHS Alumni Association Board of Directors (2014–2016)
  • Chairperson & Producer, “100 Years of Excellence” Series (2015–2016)


Lee also had an extensive impact in athletics and the arts:

  • Served over 20 years as a UIL Swimming Official, including Head Referee for EPISD, Ysleta ISD, and Regional Meets, and Deck Official at the State Championship.
  • Member of the National Board of USA Swimming and Chair of its National Outreach Committee.
  • Founding partner for the Race for the Cure in El Paso.
  • Active in music and arts as a member of the Temple Mt. Sinai Lay Choir, a volunteer for the El Paso Opera Company, and a performer with the EPHS Faculty Choir.


She also gave presentations for statewide educational organizations such as the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and mentored future educators through UTEP collaborations.


Personal Life

Lee is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of seven. Though she has served students and communities across the country, she continues to call El Paso home, remaining deeply connected to the legacy of El Paso High School and the broader educational community.