Wareham’s school system after the town incorporated in 1739 became “settled” into permanent locations throughout the village. Did you know that in 1845 the town had eleven schools? The Selectmen numbered those schools, and in order they were: Centre, Squirrel Island, East Tremont, Narrows, South Wareham, Indian Neck, East Agawam, Long Neck, Tihonet, West Tremont and West Agawam. These schools were supported by town appropriations supplemented by the State School Fund.

A Prudential Committee was chosen each year and had oversight of the schools, hired the teachers and negotiated contracts. Interestingly, there was also a school Standing Committee of three persons who for many years wanted to have full charge of the schools and to consolidate them. The Prudential Committee stood firm until the Legislature passed an Act Abolishing the District School System in 1869. The town then voted to buy the District Schools and have the Standing Committee take charge.