West Ward School 39 Prospect Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

West Ward School, located at 39 Prospect Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts, is a historic institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1847. In 2017, the school will celebrate its 170th anniversary, making it one of the oldest continuously operating two-room public schoolhouses in Massachusetts. Originally known as the West District School, the institution was part of a reorganization of South Reading's school system to accommodate the town's growing population due to the expansion of industries and the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century.

The school's Greek Revival-style architecture and spacious classrooms were a source of pride for the community, with the School Committee commending the new buildings as "noble edifices" that would promote the physical, intellectual, and moral well-being of the students. Despite facing challenges such as inadequate heating and water supply, the school persevered and continued to provide quality education to its students.

Tragedy struck in 1863 when a fire nearly destroyed the building, but the school was rebuilt and continued to serve the community for generations to come. Today, West Ward School remains a symbol of resilience and dedication to education, offering students a supportive and nurturing environment to learn and grow.