AYER's historic schoolhouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
About Us
The Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse
Welcome to the home of the Sandy Pond School Association. Constructed in 1869 by the Town of Groton , Sandy Pond Schoolhouse was originally known as Groton's District #11 School. Following Ayer's separation from Groton in February 1871, it became part of the new Ayer school system. Listed on the National Register of Historic, Sandy Pond
Welcome to the home of the Sandy Pond School Association. Constructed in 1869 by the Town of Groton , Sandy Pond Schoolhouse was originally known as Groton's District #11 School. Following Ayer's separation from Groton in February 1871, it became part of the new Ayer school system. Listed on the National Register of Historic, Sandy Pond Schoolhouse is today Ayer's oldest public building, some two years older than Ayer itself.
Entering this little building today is like stepping into a time warp. The teacher’s desk at the front of the room, slate blackboards, rows of wooden student desks, tongue and groove birch flooring, kerosene lamps, plaster walls and ceiling, and the wood stove at the back of the room evoke memories of an earlier era.
The Association
The Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse
Following the closing of Sandy Pond School in 1906, it was acquired by the newly formed Sandy Pond School Association. The founding members of SPSA were local residents, most of whom had attended Sandy Pond School. Their goal was to preserve the school in order to make use of it for reunions and other community events. The first Sandy
Following the closing of Sandy Pond School in 1906, it was acquired by the newly formed Sandy Pond School Association. The founding members of SPSA were local residents, most of whom had attended Sandy Pond School. Their goal was to preserve the school in order to make use of it for reunions and other community events. The first Sandy Pond School Annual Reunion took place on June 27, 1908. On December 22, 1908, the Town of Ayer officially conveyed the property to the newly formed Association for the price of $1.00.
Some 117 years later, SPSA continues to maintain and preserve Ayer's historic little schoolhouse. For a lively, thumbnail history of SPDA and the schoolhouse, please see our new video, The Sandy Pond School Story.
What's New
The Schoolhouse
What's New
2025 Upcoming Open Houses
Take a free tour of the schoolhouse on any of the following days. A great family experience:
- Saturday, 6/14, 10-3
- Saturday, 8/2, 10-3
- Saturday, 9/3,10-3
Pocket Forest
During your visit be sure to see the new Pocket Forest. Also known as a mini forest or Miyawaki forest, a pocket forest is a small urban forest created b
2025 Upcoming Open Houses
Take a free tour of the schoolhouse on any of the following days. A great family experience:
- Saturday, 6/14, 10-3
- Saturday, 8/2, 10-3
- Saturday, 9/3,10-3
Pocket Forest
During your visit be sure to see the new Pocket Forest. Also known as a mini forest or Miyawaki forest, a pocket forest is a small urban forest created by densely planting native trees and shrubs in a confined area. These forests are designed to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and improve the environment.
Students at the Schoolhouse
On May 2, the schoolhouse hosted 57 elementary school students from Page Hilltop as they learned about a typical school day in a single room schoolhouse. Our goal is to make this an annual program for local elementary school students.
Photo Gallery
Learn More
For additional news about Sandy Pond Schoolhouse, please sign up for your free subscription to The Sandy Pond Crier, our electronic newsletter.
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2025 Open House Schedule
Stop by for a free tour of the schoolhouse on any of the following dates: 6/14, 8/2, and 9/6.