Limehouse School History

Welcome to Limehouse Public School, a community school with a legacy as deep as the limestone cliffs surrounding us. Our story is one of growth, resilience, and a unique connection to the natural wonders of the Niagara Escarpment.

Our Village Roots

The history of our school is inseparable from the history of Limehouse itself. Originally settled in the 1820s and known as "The Rock," our village became a bustling industrial hub in the mid-19th century. With the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1856, Limehouse became famous for its limestone kilns, woolen mills, and even a fireproof paint factory. While the heavy industry faded by the early 20th century, it left behind a close-knit community and a beautiful landscape that serves as our "outdoor classroom" today.

A Century of Learning (1845–1962)

Before our current building existed, education in Limehouse passed through two distinct eras:

• The Log Cabin (1845): The very first students in Limehouse attended classes in a small log cabin located about a mile south of the current village center.

• The Gibraltar School (1862): As the lime industry boomed, the town built a grander structure—the limestone "Gibraltar School" (S.S. #9 Esquesing). This building was so well-attended that a second story was added in 1875. The Gibraltar School served the children of Limehouse for exactly 100 years before retiring in 1962. It still stands nearby as a cherished heritage landmark.

The Modern Era: Limehouse Public School (1962–Present)

In 1962, the "new" Limehouse Public School opened its doors in the heart of the village. This transition marked a move toward modern, centralized education for the families of Halton Hills.

A School Built on Nature

Located just steps away from the Bruce Trail, our school has spent the last six decades evolving into a leader in environmental appreciation. Our playground isn’t just asphalt and swings; it is bordered by the rugged beauty of the Escarpment. For generations, Limehouse students have explored the "Hole in the Wall" fissures and the historic 19th-century kilns as part of their regular science and history studies.

Our Community Today

Today, Limehouse Public School serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. We pride ourselves on being a small school with a big heart, maintaining the same community spirit that fueled the village over a century ago. From the stone archways of our past to the digital classrooms of our future, we continue to inspire students to be curious, environmentally conscious, and proud of their unique local heritage.