One-room schoolhouses are just about obsolete. But there was a time where they were standard for most students in the U.S., particularly in small towns. Rhode Island had plenty of one-room schoolhouses two centuries ago — and while none are in operation today, a few are still standing, including the oldest schoolhouse in America, The Southernmost School. But most Rhode Islanders never get a chance to see Read School, a charming little structure you’ll find on a back road in Coventry.

Coventry is is a town in Kent County, located near West Warwick.
Coventry, Rhode Island / Google
It has a population of about 35,000 and is home to quite a few historic structures for its size, including the is a town in Kent County. It even has a historic district, the South Main Street Historic District, which was developed in the 19th century.
To find Read School, you'll exit Highway 117 and find Read School House Road.
Wikipedia
The address for the school is actually 1670 Flat River Road.

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Read School was built in 1831 and is one of the oldest and the best-preserved schoolhouses in Rhode Island.
Wikipedia
The structure measures 18 feet by 24 feet with a gable roof. These single-room schoolhouses typically housed between six and 40 students, so it must have been quite crowded.
This served as the town school until 1951, and it was used for storage for years after that. It's now leased by the town to the Coventry Historical Society, who conduct tours and hold meetings there.
David Santos / Google
Typically, all lessons for students of all ages were taught by one teacher. Children had their own age-appropriate workbooks, and practicing reading out loud was encouraged.
The Read School is one of several one-room schoolhouses still standing in Rhode Island — but most people tend to hear about this one.
Wikimedia
The Southernmost School was built in 1725 and is thought to be the oldest schoolhouse in America.

You can view Read School from your car, so it’s a safe social distancing activity. And while you’re at it, check out these other historic Rhode Island schools as well.

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Coventry, RI, USA