Clarke Commitments

  • We commit to:

    • Being innovative and resourceful to build 21st century learners.
    • Embracing teamwork and collaboration to hold all stakeholders accountable for learning.
    • Building relationships through nurturing, loving and caring for each child to enable them to achieve their greatest potential.    
    • Accepting and encouraging diversity through the use of differentiated learning.

  • Peace, Love and Learning!

    Clarke Elementary Logo

Our History

  • Clarke Elementary School was named after Bruce C. Clarke. As a four-star General who once commanded the troops here on Fort Hood, he supported combining the Fort Hood school system with the Killeen school system. This resulted in one of the most outstanding school districts in Texas! All of the schools located on Fort Hood are now part of the Killeen Independent School District.

    Clarke Elementary School opened its doors during August of 1976. When the doors opened the campus was home to Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. As the population has grown here in the Comanche Housing Area our population has changed as well. We are currently home to more than 600 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Third Grade.

    One of the unique qualities of Clarke is the longevity of the staff. Several of our staff members were at Clarke Elementary School during the beginning years. Our staff members are family, and we work together to help our students.

    Each student is considered an individual with unique needs and talents. Our goal is to support those needs and to develop talents so that each student will reach his or her highest potential.

Our Namesake

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Bruce C. Clarke

Bruce Cooper Clarke, born on April 29, 1901, and resting eternally at Arlington National Cemetery, was a distinguished United States Army general whose military career spanned multiple pivotal eras in American history. His legacy is a testament to unwavering dedication and leadership.

Clarke's journey began on a farm in Adams, New York, where he was born. His passion for service led him to enlist in the United States Army in 1917 during World War I, marking the inception of a remarkable career. Despite initially leaving high school to join the ranks, Clarke's determination propelled him to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1925, armed with a commission in the Corps of Engineers.

His thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led him to earn a civil engineering degree from Cornell University and an LL.B. from La Salle Extension University. Additionally, he was a graduate of the National War College, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.

In World War II, General Clarke displayed extraordinary leadership as he commanded Combat Command A (CCA) of the 4th Armored Division under General George S. Patton, achieving a decisive victory at the Battle of Arracourt. His pivotal role in the relief of St. Vith during the Battle of the Bulge earned him recognition as a turning point in the conflict by General Eisenhower.

During the Korean War, Clarke commanded the 1st Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas, from 1951 to 1953. He then transferred to Korea, where he commanded I Corps in 1953 and X Corps from 1953 to 1954. 

Clarke's remarkable journey included assignments as Commanding General, United States Army Pacific in Hawaii, and as the Commander of the Seventh United States Army in Germany. His promotion to the rank of four-star general in 1958 highlighted his exceptional contributions to the military.

His chest bore an array of decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, three Army Distinguished Service Medals, three Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, and three Bronze Star Medals. His contributions were also celebrated by foreign countries, with awards from France, Germany, Great Britain, Korea, and the Philippines.

General Clarke's Distinguished Service Cross, originally belonging to General George S. Patton, symbolized not only his accomplishments but also the mutual respect among peers.

As a leader, General Bruce Cooper Clarke left an indelible mark on American military history. His legacy endures in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, alongside the memory of a man whose dedication to service will forever inspire future generations.