School History

East School was formerly called the First Ward School. The original school was built in 1851. It was a two story building with a wooden fence, a hitching post and eventually separate privies for boys and girls. Until the 1880's the school housed a primary class on the lower floor and a secondary on the upper floor. The latter was really an upper primary.

In 1881 a new First Ward School opened on East's current site. This school was substantially rebuilt and opened as the "new" First Ward School in 1908. It had eight classrooms for grades 1-8. A fire in the following year almost completely destroyed the school. It was rebuilt and it reopened in 1910.

Five classrooms and a multipurpose room were added in 1952, which gives us the building we have today. Currently approximately 290 students attend grades K-5. The kindergarten is half day and there are two classes in each of the other grades.

Mission Statement

East Elementary, in cooperation with our community, is committed to meeting the total educational needs of students, providing the skills and foundation for future learning throughout their school and life experiences.