A History of Educational Buildings in Fairfield: From Estates to Schools

The landscape of Fairfield is rich with educational institutions, each carrying its own unique history and contributing to the community’s development. From the early days of private estates to the establishment of formal schools, the evolution of educational buildings in Fairfield reflects a commitment to learning and growth. This article explores the history of several key educational buildings in Fairfield, highlighting their origins, transformations, and contributions to the community.

Kiddie Kollege Early Childhood Center: Nurturing Early Development

Kiddie Kollege Early Childhood Center stands as a cornerstone of early childhood education in Fairfield, Illinois. The center is led by a team of dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering young minds.

Angela “Angie” Lane: A Visionary Director

With over 27 years of experience in early childhood education, Angela “Angie” Lane serves as the Director at Kiddie Kollege Early Childhood Center. Her journey began as an infant teacher at Kiddie Kollege, and she has since grown into a leadership role, overseeing the daily operations of the licensed center. Angie's expertise lies in program compliance, team mentorship, and quality improvement. Under her direction, Kiddie Kollege has successfully navigated DCFS audits, licensing renewals, and NAEYC reaccreditation, demonstrating her skill in meeting and exceeding state and national standards.

Angie has been instrumental in coordinating the ISBE Pre-K Program and leading the center through ExceleRate Illinois processes. She supports professional growth among staff, advancing their credentials, and facilitating ongoing training. Her efforts have also helped secure grant funding through Quality Improvement Funds to enhance programming and environments. Currently, Angie is preparing the center for its next NAEYC accreditation while continuing to foster a safe, nurturing, and educational setting for children.

Angie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, along with an Early Childhood Director Credential Level II, ECE Credential Level 5, and Infant Toddler Credential Level 5. She is known for her organizational strength, strategic planning, and ability to manage the many moving parts of a high-quality early childhood program.

Kristen Harwell: Supporting Operations and Community Engagement

Kristen Harwell serves as the Assistant Director at Kiddie Kollege, bringing 18 years of experience in early childhood education. Kristen is known for her dedication to child-centered learning and smooth daily operations. She plays a key role in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where both children and educators thrive.

Kristen began her career in the toddler classroom, where she developed a deep appreciation for developmental milestones, creative learning, and relationship-building with young children. Her leadership skills and organizational strengths led her into administration, where she now helps manage the day-to-day operations of the center. Kristen is passionate about providing a fun and educational space for children while supporting families and staff with empathy, encouragement, and consistency. She also oversees the center’s digital and social media presence, helping to foster strong connections with the community.

Currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Kristen continues to grow professionally and expand her leadership capacity. She holds an Illinois Director Credential Level 1, ECE Credential Level 4, and is certified in food sanitation and health/safety compliance. Kristen is known for her creative problem-solving, effective communication, and ability to manage time and resources efficiently, helping Kiddie Kollege to maintain a high-quality early learning program.

Andrea Bankston: Ensuring Compliance and Excellence

Andrea Bankston, the Center Administrative Director, brings a well-rounded and deeply committed leadership presence to Kiddie Kollege. With a background that spans elementary, high school, and special education teaching roles in both Illinois and Florida, Andrea offers a comprehensive understanding of the education system and a passion for lifelong learning.

Since joining Kiddie Kollege, Andrea has served in both instructional and administrative capacities, including as Assistant Director, and now plays a central leadership role in overseeing day-to-day operations, budgeting, compliance, and staff development. She manages ISBE-funded preschool programming and ensures alignment with both ISBE and NAEYC standards. Her responsibilities include tracking and reporting grant expenditures through QuickBooks, reviewing lesson plans, mentoring teaching staff, and providing clear, consistent communication across the organization.

Read also: Fairfield Career Guide

Andrea is known for her organized, systems-oriented approach to leadership and her ability to create a culture of accountability and excellence. She brings a strong balance of structure and empathy, ensuring that the program remains both well-run and child-centered. She represents Kiddie Kollege on community boards and advisory councils, advocating for high-quality early childhood education across the region. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and an ECE Level 4 Credential and an Illinois Director Level 1 Credential. Her leadership in ISBE preschool programming reflects her strengths in compliance, team development, and strategic oversight.

Fairfield Country Day School: From Private Estate to Educational Institution

Fairfield Country Day School occupies a site rich in history, dating back to the late 18th century. The land on which the school stands was once owned by Timothy Dwight, a minister and the eighth President of Yale University.

The Bronson Estate: A Legacy of Transformation

This property, known as Verna Farm, was sold in 1796 to Dr. Isaac Bronson. Dr. Bronson’s early career as a medical professional was marked by his service as a junior surgeon during the war, a role he assumed at just 19 years old. Following the war, he transitioned into finance, leveraging his connections, including friendships with influential figures such as Alexander Hamilton, to invest in government obligations. Bronson’s financial success enabled him to establish the Bridgeport Bank in 1807, and by 1828, he was among the wealthiest men in New York City.

The estate remained in the Bronson family for generations, eventually passing to Bronson’s grandson, Frederic Bronson. In 1891, Frederic opted to replace the original 18th-century home of Timothy Dwight with a grand new residence. Over the years, the estate saw significant modifications. In 1933, it was acquired by W. A. Morschhauser, who built his fortune selling early calculating machines. Morschhauser reduced the home’s size from 42 rooms to 13 and removed the third floor.

The School's Founding and Evolution

Originally founded in 1936 by Laurence W. Gregory, FCDS began with just 26 boys in its first class. As the school grew, it required a larger campus, prompting the acquisition of the Bronson estate in 1949. This marked the beginning of a new era for the historic property, transforming it from a private residence into an educational institution.

Today, many original architectural details remain intact, preserving the elegance and grandeur of the past. Fairfield Country Day School stands as a testament to the adaptive reuse of historical properties, blending the charm of its past with the needs of present-day education.

Fairfield Elementary School: A Foundation in Fort Wayne

Fairfield Elementary School, located in Fort Wayne, carries a name that honors Captain Asa Fairfield, considered one of the founding fathers of the city.

Honoring Captain Asa Fairfield

Capt. Fairfield operated the first boat, the "Indiana," on the Wabash and Erie Canal. He came to Fort Wayne from Maine in 1834 as a wealthy man, having gained his fortune during his travels as a sea captain. Capt. Fairfield owned property in the area around Fairfield Avenue in what was then known as South Wayne, a separate community from Fort Wayne.

Establishment and Programs

The school was built in 1962 and initially served as a junior high. Today, Fairfield Elementary School is a Title I school, committed to providing resources and support to students from low-income families. It also offers the English Language Learners program, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of its student population.

Fairfield Elementary School participates in the Blessings in a Backpack program, which provides students with food to take home over the weekend, addressing food insecurity within the community. Students attending Fairfield feed into Shawnee or Kekionga middle schools and South Side high school, creating a seamless educational pathway for students.

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