Edwardsville School District history

In 1886, Columbus School, currently District 7’s oldest school, was built on a site adjacent to the Dale School.

1896Columbus School GrowsIn 1896, another wing, including eight large classrooms and a tall bell tower, was added to Columbus.

Because funds were low, the gymnasium was not added until 1928.

1934Leclaire School OpenIn 1934, the District was able to obtain another school site on the southeast side of town.

In 1949, the first steps were taken toward a highly significant and long overdue event in the Edwardsville District: the integration of its schools.

Then, in 1951, all city elementary schools were integrated, with Lincoln School also reopening one year later as an integrated elementary school.

In 1953, in need of more land for the high school site, as well as classroom and office space, the District acquired the grounds and beautiful mansion from the W.F.L. Hadley estate.

1957Midway School BuiltFunds for Midway School were secured, the site was donated, and a new building was constructed in 1957.

The site remained vacant until the Southern Illinois University Foundation purchased the property in 1964.

The new school, named after local industrialist and humanitarian N.O. Nelson, opened in 1967.

Hamel School opened in the fall of 1969.

The foundation then sold the facilities to the university in 1972.

1987Worden Joins District In 1987, the neighboring Worden School District followed the pattern set by other rural districts in the fifties and annexed to District 7.

In 1992, the District converted its elementary schools from K-6 buildings to primary and intermediate attendance centers in another effort to house its growing elementary population.

1997Three New Schools OpenedThese three schools opened in the fall of 1997, helping the District provide more space for its students.

The four-building campus, in need of major repair, was used by the university for classes, offices and storage for nearly 20 years before the property was deeded to Lewis and Clark Community College in 1999.