A+ in Atmosphere: A Lesson on Schoolhouses-Turned-Homes

When you think about your school days, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of desks, or hardwood flooring, or even getting detention. But how long would it take for “home” to make that list?

If you were homeschooled, then this may be your very first thought. In this case, we’re spotlighting schools that were turned into homes or apartments. Each of these buildings tells a story of preservation coexisting with innovation, blending original architectural features like high ceilings or patina-coated wood with modern comforts and stylish updates.

So, pencils ready? Class is in session.

Not your typical cafeteria

This former schoolhouse in rural Nebraska is a bit unassuming on the outside, sitting on three acres, painted red and white. But on the inside, Elmtree School shows off its history. You can see remnants of this building’s schooldays in its twin staircases, its wooden doors, doorframes, and window frames, and even in its transom windows. This home’s past life may shine through the strongest in its kitchen, where wood frames and windows line its walls, and you can almost hear the bell ring for lunchtime.

A school, a dance academy, a home

This building in Idaho Falls, Idaho, has lived a few lives since it opened in the late 19th century: first as the town’s school, when it was known as the Coltman Schoolhouse; and way later in the 21st century, it was a dance academy. Today, the 10,300 square-foot space has been turned into a home featuring six bedrooms, five bathrooms, an indoor gym, and even a preschool classroom. Many of this historic building’s features have been preserved, like its hardwood flooring and stairs that greet you when you enter through the front door.

A kindergarten revival

Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright has had a huge influence on American architecture, and on other architects. Among them was William Drummond, who worked for Wright for some time. One of Drummond’s best-known projects is the Brookfield Kindergarten, built in Brookfield, Illinois, in 1911 when “kindergarten” classes were beginning to gain popularity. This building served as a space for kids to learn and play, but by the 1940’s, it had become condemned. It was eventually bought, saved, and converted into a single-family home circa 1950, according to Brookfield’s website. The home has had many of its features restored, and now waits for its next residents.

Here's a photo of the school in its heyday:

Happy on a hilltop

Most schools are not designed with sleeping accommodations in mind. And yet, this former schoolhouse on a hill in Iowa has three bedrooms, including a loft. Mind you, the loft was added in once this building was converted into a home, and it has a view of the living and dining room downstairs — complete with original flooring, plus original door and window frames. Oh, and it has an in-ground pool.

Preserved past, polished present

One thing about school houses-turned-homes is that they’re sometimes fairly large, so they can be converted into multi-family units — if they’re protected from demolition. That’s the story of the Elliott School in Nashville. It was built in 1916 by the same firm who built Tennessee’s Supreme Court building as well as Nashville’s Frist Art Museum. When the school shut down in 1971, locals were able to get it onto the National Register of Historic Places a few years later. After a stint as an office building, the former Elliott School is now home to 44 rental units, and lots of its original features still stand — like its name, etched in stone over its front entrance.

Check out one of the units in the building: