Education
Overview
It's no secret that one of West Windsor's main attractions is the award-winning school district it shares with Plainsboro. However, the extensive history of education in the township is not as widely publicized. Unlike the schools of 2019 that host thousands of students of a group of 2-4 grade levels and conform to (and well exceed) federal education standards, early schools were non-standardized, served only a few children at a time from a wide swath of grades, and were often housed in tiny, one and two-room buildings.
The first schools in West Windsor date to the mid-1700s and were log cabins built by community members. Most of these early institutions were "pay schools," named after a system where the head of each family paid a stated amount toward the teacher's salary for their children's education. Additional funds were allotted by the township.
These one and two-room schoolhouses handled Grades 1 through 8. The number of students in each class varied; some classes had as few as one student; others a dozen or more. Boys who lived on farms often attended school only in the winter; as a result, some graduated when they were as old as 25!
Instead of desks, benches provided seating for students, and instead of paper and blackboards, children wrote with a lump of lead upon a slate. The only "textbook" was the Primer - a Christian text that contained prayers and information about God. The schools were heated by a stove; on Monday morning, the teacher would build a coal fire which the students would have to keep alive until Friday. Discipline could be harsh, ranging from the whack of a ruler to monetary fines.
It's no secret that one of West Windsor's main attractions is the award-winning school district it shares with Plainsboro. However, the extensive history of education in the township is not as widely publicized. Unlike the schools of 2019 that host thousands of students of a group of 2-4 grade levels and conform to (and well exceed) federal education standards, early schools were non-standardized, served only a few children at a time from a wide swath of grades, and were often housed in tiny, one and two-room buildings.
The first schools in West Windsor date to the mid-1700s and were log cabins built by community members. Most of these early institutions were "pay schools," named after a system where the head of each family paid a stated amount toward the teacher's salary for their children's education. Additional funds were allotted by the township.
These one and two-room schoolhouses handled Grades 1 through 8. The number of students in each class varied; some classes had as few as one student; others a dozen or more. Boys who lived on farms often attended school only in the winter; as a result, some graduated when they were as old as 25!
Instead of desks, benches provided seating for students, and instead of paper and blackboards, children wrote with a lump of lead upon a slate. The only "textbook" was the Primer - a Christian text that contained prayers and information about God. The schools were heated by a stove; on Monday morning, the teacher would build a coal fire which the students would have to keep alive until Friday. Discipline could be harsh, ranging from the whack of a ruler to monetary fines.
By 1890, four small schools operated in West Windsor: Dutch Neck, Edinburg, Clarksville, and Penns Neck. Records from 1828 show that Dutch Neck served 40 students; Edinburg 40; Clarksville 40, and Pens Neck 33. $75 was allotted by the township for Dutch Neck's annual budget; $60 to the other three.
Between 1917 and 1919, three schools in West Windsor and Plainsboro were constructed in response to a booming youth population. These institutions could accommodate multiple classes at various grade levels at a time. 4 decades later, Maurice Hawk Elementary School was built to accommodate another wave of children.
West Windsor-Plainsboro School District was formed in 1969 with the merger of two distinct school districts - Plainsboro and West Windsor. This merger occurred in reaction to an increasing number of students enrolling. In the decades following, a number of new schools were constructed through the township - High School South (1973), Village School (1995), and Thomas R Grover Middle School (1999). Plainsboro, already home to J.V.B Wicoff Elementary School (1919) experienced its own educational renaissance after that year as well, with the construction of Community Middle School in 1987, Millstone River in 1990, High School North in 1997, and, finally, Town Center in 2002. Many of these schools in both townships have undergone several renovations and expansions throughout their histories. Several preschools and Montessori schools call West Windsor home, as well.
Transportation to and from school was, naturally, a product of its time. The earliest mode was by foot. Later, horses and wagon school buses were used until the early 1900s, when the Model T revolutionized travel. Unfortunately, early cars did not handle adverse weather conditions well; a heavy snow often meant that farmers would have to go out and help shovel the roads. Luckily, school buses (and better cars) have since become the norm.
The administration of schools also evolved over the centuries. At first, only a few teachers - at most - taught at each school. Later, "head teachers" assumed the dual role of overseeing operations and teaching classes. The first dedicated principals emerged in the 20th century and were responsible for ordering supplies and planning bus routes, among other hands-on operations. The principals of the 21st century are responsible for serving as an intermediary between the school and school district, along with general operations of the school.
Scroll down to learn more about specific sites, and the evolution of education in the area!
Between 1917 and 1919, three schools in West Windsor and Plainsboro were constructed in response to a booming youth population. These institutions could accommodate multiple classes at various grade levels at a time. 4 decades later, Maurice Hawk Elementary School was built to accommodate another wave of children.
West Windsor-Plainsboro School District was formed in 1969 with the merger of two distinct school districts - Plainsboro and West Windsor. This merger occurred in reaction to an increasing number of students enrolling. In the decades following, a number of new schools were constructed through the township - High School South (1973), Village School (1995), and Thomas R Grover Middle School (1999). Plainsboro, already home to J.V.B Wicoff Elementary School (1919) experienced its own educational renaissance after that year as well, with the construction of Community Middle School in 1987, Millstone River in 1990, High School North in 1997, and, finally, Town Center in 2002. Many of these schools in both townships have undergone several renovations and expansions throughout their histories. Several preschools and Montessori schools call West Windsor home, as well.
Transportation to and from school was, naturally, a product of its time. The earliest mode was by foot. Later, horses and wagon school buses were used until the early 1900s, when the Model T revolutionized travel. Unfortunately, early cars did not handle adverse weather conditions well; a heavy snow often meant that farmers would have to go out and help shovel the roads. Luckily, school buses (and better cars) have since become the norm.
The administration of schools also evolved over the centuries. At first, only a few teachers - at most - taught at each school. Later, "head teachers" assumed the dual role of overseeing operations and teaching classes. The first dedicated principals emerged in the 20th century and were responsible for ordering supplies and planning bus routes, among other hands-on operations. The principals of the 21st century are responsible for serving as an intermediary between the school and school district, along with general operations of the school.
Scroll down to learn more about specific sites, and the evolution of education in the area!
Top: Pre-1917
Bottom: 2018
Dutch Neck Schoolhouse - 516 Village Road West (1850s)
Records show that a log cabin was used as the first schoolhouse in Dutch Neck as early as the mid-1700s. Located at the rear of the cemetery of the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church, it burned down in 1850. Now a private residence, and dramatically altered from its original form, the edifice at 516 Village Road West was constructed shortly after the fire, on the same site as the log cabin. When the much larger and more future-proof Dutch Neck Elementary School was built in 1917, the smaller building was relocated to the present property and converted into a private residence in the same year.
Records show that a log cabin was used as the first schoolhouse in Dutch Neck as early as the mid-1700s. Located at the rear of the cemetery of the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church, it burned down in 1850. Now a private residence, and dramatically altered from its original form, the edifice at 516 Village Road West was constructed shortly after the fire, on the same site as the log cabin. When the much larger and more future-proof Dutch Neck Elementary School was built in 1917, the smaller building was relocated to the present property and converted into a private residence in the same year.
3637 Rt 1, the Penns Neck Schoolhouse's third iteration, constructed c. 1913
Penns Neck One-Room Schoolhouse (1849-1875)
As with Dutch Neck, the first schoolhouse in Penns Neck was built in the mid-1700s (c. 1760) and was constructed out of logs by members of the community. However, unlike the original Dutch Neck schoolhouse, this building served an additional function as a residence during its operation as a school. There were three different locations for the Penns Neck School: the first on the former Jewell Farm, the second near the now-demolished Penns Neck Dinkey station, and the third further along Brunswick Pike. When the school's location was moved, the building materials were also reused at the new location, preserving historic elements throughout the centuries.
The third iteration of the school was purchased by William Mount and later converted into a modern bungalow. References in the 1930s indicate ownership by Bernard Mount.
In 1859 there was an effort to build a new school, and the then-significant sum of $800 was raised to purchase land and build a new institution. However, the Civil War soon diverted funds to pay soldiers in 1862 and 1863. It was not until half a century later that a new school was to be constructed in this village.
As with Dutch Neck, the first schoolhouse in Penns Neck was built in the mid-1700s (c. 1760) and was constructed out of logs by members of the community. However, unlike the original Dutch Neck schoolhouse, this building served an additional function as a residence during its operation as a school. There were three different locations for the Penns Neck School: the first on the former Jewell Farm, the second near the now-demolished Penns Neck Dinkey station, and the third further along Brunswick Pike. When the school's location was moved, the building materials were also reused at the new location, preserving historic elements throughout the centuries.
The third iteration of the school was purchased by William Mount and later converted into a modern bungalow. References in the 1930s indicate ownership by Bernard Mount.
In 1859 there was an effort to build a new school, and the then-significant sum of $800 was raised to purchase land and build a new institution. However, the Civil War soon diverted funds to pay soldiers in 1862 and 1863. It was not until half a century later that a new school was to be constructed in this village.
Parsonage School - 50 Southfield Road (mid-late 1800s)
Various maps of West Windsor indicate that this building was constructed between 1849 and 1875 at 297 Clarksville Road. Because Grovers Mill contained no school, it is likely that this institution served students from both this village and Princeton Junction. Like other early schools, this building consisted of one room and served students of a variety of ages. In 1994, when the property owner erected a larger residence, it was relocated to the Schenck Farmstead at 50 Southfield Road and acts as a memorial to the township's earliest educational efforts.
Various maps of West Windsor indicate that this building was constructed between 1849 and 1875 at 297 Clarksville Road. Because Grovers Mill contained no school, it is likely that this institution served students from both this village and Princeton Junction. Like other early schools, this building consisted of one room and served students of a variety of ages. In 1994, when the property owner erected a larger residence, it was relocated to the Schenck Farmstead at 50 Southfield Road and acts as a memorial to the township's earliest educational efforts.
Edinburg Schoolhouse c. 1910
Edinburg Schoolhouse - 1676 Old Trenton Road (Mid-1800s)
This small structure was located in the village of the same name, along the north side of Old Trenton Road. Like the other schoolhouses of its era, the Edinburg Schoolhouse at 1676 Old Trenton Road serviced local youth at a wide swath of grade levels, all packed into one chamber. Eventually, it functioned as a barbershop operated by Benjamin Carlucci in 1964. Carlucci later tore down the building, but a few images remain showing that the Edinburg schoolhouse was similar in scale and style to many of West Windsor's other schoolhouses, including the one rebuilt at the Schenck Farmstead.
This small structure was located in the village of the same name, along the north side of Old Trenton Road. Like the other schoolhouses of its era, the Edinburg Schoolhouse at 1676 Old Trenton Road serviced local youth at a wide swath of grade levels, all packed into one chamber. Eventually, it functioned as a barbershop operated by Benjamin Carlucci in 1964. Carlucci later tore down the building, but a few images remain showing that the Edinburg schoolhouse was similar in scale and style to many of West Windsor's other schoolhouses, including the one rebuilt at the Schenck Farmstead.
Clarksville Schoolhouse (Mid-1800s)
Not to be confused with the aforementioned Parsonage School, which once stood on Clarksville Road, in West Windsor, the Clarksville School was located just about where the entrance to the QuakerBridge Mall stands off Quakerbridge Road, in Lawrence Township. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1937. Photographs show a building of similar scale and style to the one rebuilt at the Schenck Farmstead.
Not to be confused with the aforementioned Parsonage School, which once stood on Clarksville Road, in West Windsor, the Clarksville School was located just about where the entrance to the QuakerBridge Mall stands off Quakerbridge Road, in Lawrence Township. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1937. Photographs show a building of similar scale and style to the one rebuilt at the Schenck Farmstead.
Dutch Neck Elementary School - 392 Village Road East (1917)
This school has undergone numerous and significant additions since being opened in 1917. The oldest part of the school, show to the right, was designed almost identically to Penns Neck School.
When construction of this institution commenced, three graves from a much older African American burial ground were discovered on the property. They were identified as members of the Pompey Updike family.
Ten years later, two rooms were added. In 1952, a front wing was built that expanded the school by 6 classrooms, an auditorium/gymnasium and bathrooms, and in 1956 the back wing was added including the East Entrance.
In 1962, Dutch Neck became a school for grades 4-6. In 1974, the media center was built, filling the courtyard that had previously existed between the front and back additions. A cafeteria and a three-room kindergarten wing were later constructed. In 1985, a "temporary" 4-room quad was constructed, and would eventually gain acceptance as a permanent addition. In 1990, Dutch Neck became a primary school again, handling grades K-8. With the construction of several other elementary, upper-elementary, and middle schools over the next decade, Dutch Neck Elementary School reduced its student load to grades K-3.
This school has undergone numerous and significant additions since being opened in 1917. The oldest part of the school, show to the right, was designed almost identically to Penns Neck School.
When construction of this institution commenced, three graves from a much older African American burial ground were discovered on the property. They were identified as members of the Pompey Updike family.
Ten years later, two rooms were added. In 1952, a front wing was built that expanded the school by 6 classrooms, an auditorium/gymnasium and bathrooms, and in 1956 the back wing was added including the East Entrance.
In 1962, Dutch Neck became a school for grades 4-6. In 1974, the media center was built, filling the courtyard that had previously existed between the front and back additions. A cafeteria and a three-room kindergarten wing were later constructed. In 1985, a "temporary" 4-room quad was constructed, and would eventually gain acceptance as a permanent addition. In 1990, Dutch Neck became a primary school again, handling grades K-8. With the construction of several other elementary, upper-elementary, and middle schools over the next decade, Dutch Neck Elementary School reduced its student load to grades K-3.
Penns Neck School (1917)
This school was built in 1917 as a near-identical twin to Dutch Neck Elementary School at the northwest corner of Alexander Road and Brunswick Pike. Both of these schools and Wicoff were the product of a transformative set of years, when significantly more accommodating schools were constructed for an expanding youth population. From its inception to 1967, the school handled students from grades 1-8. According to Georgiana Hauk, principal from 1922 to 1964, many students were children who helped their families run their farms upon graduation from school. However, this trend gradually gave way to aspirations for higher education. In 1973 the building was sold and subsequently used as offices. It was demolished in 1995 when the Alexander Road overpass was built.
This school was built in 1917 as a near-identical twin to Dutch Neck Elementary School at the northwest corner of Alexander Road and Brunswick Pike. Both of these schools and Wicoff were the product of a transformative set of years, when significantly more accommodating schools were constructed for an expanding youth population. From its inception to 1967, the school handled students from grades 1-8. According to Georgiana Hauk, principal from 1922 to 1964, many students were children who helped their families run their farms upon graduation from school. However, this trend gradually gave way to aspirations for higher education. In 1973 the building was sold and subsequently used as offices. It was demolished in 1995 when the Alexander Road overpass was built.
J.V.B. Wicoff Elementary School - 510 Plainsboro Road (Plainsboro - 1919)
Prior to 1919, the land that is now Plainsboro was split between Cranbury and South Brunswick and housed only a two-room schoolhouse (constructed c. 1908) - a woefully inadequate resource for the township's expanding youth population. Prompted by the need for a sufficient institution of education, a number of concerned citizens, led in part by resident John V.B. Wicoff, successfully petitioned the state to create a municipality with control over its own independent school system. Thus, Plainsboro Township was incorporated. Named after Wicoff in 1975, the school sits amid some of the township's oldest buildings and is a monument to the importance of community activism.
Prior to 1919, the land that is now Plainsboro was split between Cranbury and South Brunswick and housed only a two-room schoolhouse (constructed c. 1908) - a woefully inadequate resource for the township's expanding youth population. Prompted by the need for a sufficient institution of education, a number of concerned citizens, led in part by resident John V.B. Wicoff, successfully petitioned the state to create a municipality with control over its own independent school system. Thus, Plainsboro Township was incorporated. Named after Wicoff in 1975, the school sits amid some of the township's oldest buildings and is a monument to the importance of community activism.
Maurice Hawk Elementary School - 303/305 Clarksville Road (1964)
Opened in 1964, this school dwarfed the parsonage school right next door. Built at the end of the baby boom, Maurice Hawk was a response to a rapid growth in the township's youth population. The school featured unique architectural features including a partial open space plan and dedicated library. In 2015, longtime resident Dick Snedeker recounted his memories as a PTA member at Maurice Hawk in celebration of its 50th year of operation. As of 2019, the school is undergoing a significant expansion.
Opened in 1964, this school dwarfed the parsonage school right next door. Built at the end of the baby boom, Maurice Hawk was a response to a rapid growth in the township's youth population. The school featured unique architectural features including a partial open space plan and dedicated library. In 2015, longtime resident Dick Snedeker recounted his memories as a PTA member at Maurice Hawk in celebration of its 50th year of operation. As of 2019, the school is undergoing a significant expansion.
High School South - 346 Clarksville Road (1973) and the Coward House (mid-1700s)
Formerly named "West Windsor-Plainsboro High School," this institution was built in 1973 and features a unique open-space floor plan. Prior to that year, The Coward family farmstead was partially located on the property (more farmland extended past Rt. 571 and into present-day Rogers Arboretum). The c. 1917 photo to the right shows the Coward House and its residents. Left to right, they are: Estella Vorhees Coward, Major and Sarah Bergen Vorhees (parents of Estella), and Herbert Coward. In 1973, despite petitions for the township to save the mid-1700s building, the house was burned down to both make way for the school and provide a training drill for the local fire squads.
Before West Windsor-Plainsboro High School's construction, students attended Princeton High School. For 24 years, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School functioned as the only high school in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district, until High School North was built in 1997. Thus, the older institution appended its name by adding "South."
Today, both institutions proudly hold titles as two of New Jersey's best-ranking schools.
Formerly named "West Windsor-Plainsboro High School," this institution was built in 1973 and features a unique open-space floor plan. Prior to that year, The Coward family farmstead was partially located on the property (more farmland extended past Rt. 571 and into present-day Rogers Arboretum). The c. 1917 photo to the right shows the Coward House and its residents. Left to right, they are: Estella Vorhees Coward, Major and Sarah Bergen Vorhees (parents of Estella), and Herbert Coward. In 1973, despite petitions for the township to save the mid-1700s building, the house was burned down to both make way for the school and provide a training drill for the local fire squads.
Before West Windsor-Plainsboro High School's construction, students attended Princeton High School. For 24 years, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School functioned as the only high school in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district, until High School North was built in 1997. Thus, the older institution appended its name by adding "South."
Today, both institutions proudly hold titles as two of New Jersey's best-ranking schools.
Thomas R. Grover
Thomas R. Grover Middle School - 10 Southfield Road (1999)
This school was constructed in 1999 next to longtime resident Leroy Grover's Farm. It was named to commemorate Leroy's son. Thomas R. Grover was only 22 when he died in the line of fire in Vietnam in 1969, after earning two purple hearts and a silver star. The school was named in memory of his service.
At the entrance to the farm of the late Leroy Grover stands a large boulder upon which a plaque, commemorating his son's service, is fastened. An American flag, flown at half-mast, flies directly above a "MIA" flag, dedicated to service members who have gone missing in action.
This school was constructed in 1999 next to longtime resident Leroy Grover's Farm. It was named to commemorate Leroy's son. Thomas R. Grover was only 22 when he died in the line of fire in Vietnam in 1969, after earning two purple hearts and a silver star. The school was named in memory of his service.
At the entrance to the farm of the late Leroy Grover stands a large boulder upon which a plaque, commemorating his son's service, is fastened. An American flag, flown at half-mast, flies directly above a "MIA" flag, dedicated to service members who have gone missing in action.
