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Our Historic Home
Our Historic Home
The Legacy of The Children's Schoolhouse
Founded in 1971 by members of the Davidson College faculty, our organization was born out of a desire for a different kind of education—one where curiosity was more important than quietness, and where play was the primary language.
Finding Our Forever Home
For twenty years, our community moved and grew, searching for a space that matched our spirit. In 1991, we found it: the historic Caldwell Station School (c. 1925). At the time, the building was run down and in danger of being lost to time. But our parents and teachers saw its potential. We didn't just buy a building; we became its stewards.
After much restoration, we returned the Schoolhouse to its original 1925 mission: to be a place for the children of our community.
A Legacy of Learning
The Caldwell Station School was originally built to serve the rural families of Huntersville. In an era of one-room schoolhouses, this "modern" two-room design represented a leap forward for local education.
Original Architecture: With its high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and expansive "banks of windows" designed to let in natural light before the building had electricity, the space feels airy, bright, and calm—the perfect environment for a child-centered curriculum.
Restored with Love: When we took ownership in 1991, the building was dilapidated and at risk. Our community of families rolled up their sleeves to restore it, ensuring that its original educational purpose would continue for generations to come.
A Local Landmark: In 2010, our dedication to preserving this treasure was officially recognized when the building was designated a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmark, securing its future indefinitely.
Original Architecture: With its high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and expansive "banks of windows" designed to let in natural light before the building had electricity, the space feels airy, bright, and calm—the perfect environment for a child-centered curriculum.
Restored with Love: When we took ownership in 1991, the building was dilapidated and at risk. Our community of families rolled up their sleeves to restore it, ensuring that its original educational purpose would continue for generations to come.
A Local Landmark: In 2010, our dedication to preserving this treasure was officially recognized when the building was designated a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmark, securing its future indefinitely.
Why a 100-Year-Old Building Matters Today
You might wonder: Why choose an old schoolhouse in the age of modern facilities? We believe our building is one of our greatest teachers:
The Power of Place: Walking through the same doors as students did a century ago gives our children a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
Sustainable Stewardship: By maintaining this historic structure, we teach our students the value of "care and keeping"—showing them that we respect our past while building our future.
A Connection to Nature: Situated on over an acre of land, the schoolhouse was designed to harmonize with its surroundings. Our "outdoor classroom" and gardens are a natural extension of the building’s rural roots.
A Community Effort
Owning a landmark is a labor of love. Our unique cooperative model means that when you join The Children’s Schoolhouse, you become a guardian of local history. From "Work Days" where families help maintain the grounds to partnerships with local preservationists, our building thrives because our community cares for it.
Today, the "Soul" of The Children's Schoolhouse (established 1971) and the "Stone" of Caldwell Station School (built 1925) are inseparable. We are proud to be a living museum where 100-year-old hardwoods meet modern, messy play.
As a parent-led cooperative, we don’t just use this building; we protect it. When you join the Schoolhouse, you aren't just enrolling your child in a program—you’re becoming a steward of a 100-year-old legacy.
Cool Fun Facts:
Did you know? In 1925, the school was heated by two wood-burning stoves! Historical accounts mention an older student whose job it was to arrive early and "build the fires" to warm the rooms before the other children arrived. Today, we have central heating, but we’ve kept the cozy, historic feel.
Did you know? The large windows were designed specifically to capture the "Pathways of Light" long before electric bulbs were common in rural NC.
Did you know? Built without indoor plumbing getting water on site was a daily task! Every day, two students were assigned to walk to a neighbor’s house with a bucket, pump water by hand, and carry it back to the school for everyone to use. Today, we have running water (and indoor plumbing), but we still teach our students that same spirit of responsibility, even if it just means watering their seedlings for the school gardens instead of hauling buckets.
Did you know? The school was built by Will Knox, a local farmer and builder, alongside a crew of neighborhood volunteers who donated their time and materials. Just like the families in 1925, our parents are the hands-on heart of the school, maintaining the building and grounds for the next generation.
At The Children's Schoolhouse, we believe that children learn best when they can choose and discover, question and understand and most of all be unique.
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© Copyright 2026 The Children's Schoolhouse. No content may be used without written permission.
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