Barcroft Elementary School Centennial Celebration

The Barcroft Elementary School Centennial celebration was held on September 19th, 2025. The school is the oldest continually-used education building in Arlington. The current facility dates from 1925, and grew out of a one-room schoolhouse nearby that dates from 1906. A human chain was formed by students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and parents to connect the two buildings to begin the festivities. 

Guest speakers included a member of the Arlington Historical Society dressed and posing as Doctor John Woolverton Barcroft, the school's namesake and major landowner and local civic figure in the 19th century, Principal Judy Apostolico-Buck, performances by the Wakefield High School marching band, the Barcroft School choir and musicians, displays of vintage cars, placing of a time capsule, and other celebratory moments.

Barcroft is a Title 1 school, and has one of the most welcoming and diverse populations in the area, about 500 strong in the 2024-2025 school year.

An article in ArlNow by Scott McCaffrey provides an interesting in-depth history of the school and much detail about the celebration and school population. 

The day was organized by Lucy Tschetter of the PTA and Janet Dorn, a teacher at the school. Thanks to them and all who made the day possible.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.

"Dr. Barcroft"

Arlington Sheriff Jose Quiroz with Safety Patrol

Principal Judy Apostolico-Buck