The Pioneer Sholes School heralds back to a simpler time—a one-room schoolhouse dating from 1872 that currently serves as a living history museum and classroom. Stepping into the school will be like stepping back in time as the teacher—a volunteer docent in period dress—implores you to quickly find your seat at one of the desks. A hands-on activity will be taught which you may participate in if you wish. Be mindful—if you don’t learn your lessons, you might have to wear the dunce cap!

Be sure to check-in first at the Durant House Museum to pay your admission of $3/adult and $2/child before venturing to the Sholes School Museum about 250 steps away.

Group tours are available throughout the year and are specifically tailored to complement your group’s interests. During our group tours we also offer a hands-on history activity!

The Sholes School Museum is a favorite spot for school field trips and scouting groups. Clubs and organizations looking for an educational experience at a rare one-room schoolhouse can enjoy a short private tour or an extended experience with one of our tried-and-true themes. Click here for more specific information:

School Field Trips

Home School Field Trips

Scout Groups

Senior Visits (coming soon!)

The minimum amount of $50 for schools and scouts or $100 for other groups is required for a deposit to hold your date. For additional terms and information about our group tours, please see our Fee Schedule.

For any questions or additional information, email durantandsholes@ppfv.org or call 630-377-6424.

Wheelchair accessibility limited.

Access to the inside of the Sholes School Museum is by stairs only. Limited paved parking is available next to the Museum.

Please see this photo chart for details on accessibility for the Museum.

For more information about accessibility, please email durantandsholes@ppfv.org or call 630-377-6424.

The Sholes School was originally built on David Sholes’ farm in Burlington Township, near the crossing of Burlington and Plato. According to an old map of Kane County, the first school on this site was built before 1860, though by 1872, the current building had been constructed.

The Sholes land was then sold to Louis Schairer, who was heavily involved in school affairs. In the early 1900s, teachers would often board at the Schairer residence or teachers and students would warm themselves at the Schairer home when the school's heating failed. Later the land was sold to the Campbell family. The school served the neighboring areas until 1946-47, when Kane County started their school consolidation project. Over 135 small schools were closed, and their buildings, if not demolished, were converted to everything from chicken coops to residences.

The Sholes School building was never converted or demolished. It sat idle on Campbell’s land from 1947 until 1979 when Campbell donated it to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County in memory of his mother who had taught at the school in 1913-1915.

At that time, the Pioneer Sholes School Restoration Society formed to move the school to the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles and restore the building. Because the building itself was in significant disrepair by the late 1970’s, much work was required to return the building to its current state. The following sources provided significant furnishings in the school:

• The antique floorboards come from a barn near DeKalb.

• The tin ceiling is from the Leath Furniture Building in Aurora.

• Blackboards are from the original Louise White School in Batavia.

• The school bell in the cupola was donated in memory of Martha Campbell.

• Vestibule sconces were given by descendants of David Sholes.

The Pioneer Sholes School Restoration Society operated the school as a museum until 2019 when operations were turned over to Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley who also operate the Durant-Peterson House Museum through a collaboration with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

Looking for a unique historic venue for your wedding? Why not have it at the 1872 Sholes School!

Click here for more information.

Delve deeper into the history of schoolhouses on the prairie! Prior experience is not necessary and training is provided. For more information, visit our Volunteer Page.