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Story of our School
School building and playground

In the fall of 1894, a new brick school with 4 classrooms was built on the corner of Anderson and McGill Streets, where Duncan J. Schoular Public School now stands. It was called Elgin School, built to replace the original small frame school house that stood on the corner of Mary and John (now Main St E) streets. In 1902 the school was doubled in size. The school headmaster at the time was R. J. Oliver and the cost of a boy's school outfit was $4.50 and a girl's blouse was $1.25.

In 1915 the school was destroyed by fire, and in 1916 a three story classic brick revival school replaced it. It was a dream school to all the town folks. In 1923 an 8 room addition was placed at the rear of the school.

The population of Smiths Falls continued to grow over the next decades, and aside from the new gymnasium and auditorium built in the early 1960's, the school remained relatively unchanged. Larger, more modern schools were being built in surrounding townships.

In 1980, Elgin School was demolished as it was no longer up to provincial standards and the repairs would be too costly.

In 1981 the fourth Elgin Elementary School was constructed. It was renamed Duncan J. Schoular Public School in 1992, in honour of Duncan J. Schoular, who served in the former Lanark County Board of Education as a teacher, principal, superintendent, Director and Trustee.

Today, Duncan J. Schoular Public School is a vibrant, dual track school, offering Early French Immersion programming from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7 and Regular programming from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.  Early French Immersion will continue to expand by one grade each year until the program reaches Grade 8 in the 2022-23 school year.

Our students, staff and community are proud of our school, and invite you to learn more about us. 

                                           Duncan J. Schoular Falcons
                              Dare to Care, Dare to Dream, Dare to Soar

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