Little Red Schoolhouse in Lake Worth began as a community effort

When Lake Worth residents pleaded for a school for their children, the Dade County School District came through with money, donated land and fundraising for lumber and school supplies. The community even volunteered their time to help build the 22-by-40-foot one-room schoolhouse.

Opened in March 1886, they welcomed seven students, ages 6-17, for a three-month term. The class was taught by Hattie Gale, a 16-year-old who traveled to Florida with her reverend father instead of finishing college. After teaching, she continued college, graduating in 1889.

Today, students can visit the preserved schoolhouse for a mini day of school in the 1800s.

– Rebecca Hastings, The 100 Companies