Oakton School

The Oakton School in Virginia is actually the third iteration of this small learning institution. The first, called Flint Hill School, was built in 1848 at the intersection of current-day Blake Lane and Chain Bridge Road on land deeded to the county trustee by William Speer.

The first teacher at the school was Miss Mary Holland Bell, an 18 year old woman who was paid three cents per day to educate the local children. The school burned down shortly after the Civil War.

The second iteration of the school was also called Flint Hill School and was also built on deeded land. The building was erected in 1874 and was located at the intersection of Hunter Mill Road and Chain Bridge Road. It was in operation until 1897, at which time it was moved to Jermantown Road and turned into a private residence.

The third iteration of the school, which still stands today, was built in 1897 and operated until 1912 under the name Oakton School. In addition to being a school, it served as a community center and religious meeting house.

Following its closure as a schoolhouse, it saw many uses as a private residence, a multifamily residence, a hardware store, and a popular camping store called Appalachian Outfitters.

The building was moved to its current location in 2007, and through joint public and private funding, was restored to its 1897 appearance.