An Uncommon Education: The Allen School is a 40-minute documentary film that highlights the educators, students, and legacy of the West Newton English and Classical School, better known as the Allen School (1854-1900). Founded in 1854 by local Unitarians, educators, and reformers Nathaniel T. Allen and Cyrus Peirce, the Allen School was a remarkable fifty-year experiment in progressive education. From coeducation and racial integration to physical education and learning through play, the school pioneered new ways of teaching and learning in the United States. The Allen School was located on the site where FUUSN now stands.
Produced by Historic Newton, this documentary describes foundational events in the early life of our historic church. A panel discussion with these distinguished guests will follow the film:
- Katy Haywood, Co-Historian of Myrtle Baptist Church
- Sara Goldberg, Historic Newton Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs
- Lisa Dady, Historic Newton Executive Director
- Joe Hunter, Producer of An Uncommon Education
- Bob Ellertsen, Moderator and FUUSN member
Posters related to the film will be on display in the Parish Hall for the month of November.
Free and Open to the Public. Invite your friends!