Historic Altaville School House

Photo © B Rogers
Altaville School House is believed to be the oldest surviving school house in California. The Altaville one room school house was built in 1858 of local sun dried Bricks, is a California Historical Landmark, Number 499, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The school house was in continuous use from 1858 to 1950. It has been carefully restored and sits on a beautifully wooded site which appears much as it did in 1858. Located on Highway 49, near the intersection of Highway 4, there is a off the highway parking area, picnic benches, and many shade trees.
Of interest, the funds necessary to build the school were raised by a dance in the Billiard saloon of the N.R. Prince building, which still stands today just a little farther down the street.
Seasons Open: The school is open on the same schedule as the Angels Camp Museum.
Hours Open: The school is open on the same schedule as the Angels Camp Museum.
Fees: Visitation is free.
The entry vestibule is ADA accessible.







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Gary G. Williams of Reno, NV wrote on July 21, 2011: I attended both 1st and 2nd grade, 1947/48. Concurrently my Uncle (Melvin) attended 7th/8th grade in the framed school house. I had the pleasure/distinction of having Mrs. Marcella Avery as my teacher. You can only imagine my surprise/my delight when in 1999, I learned of the school becoming an historical site. My father was the ranch foreman at the "Red Roof" (or) "Red Top" ranch. The pictures are beautiful. I started my 3rd grade year at the new Mark Twain Elementary, and transferred mid year to the old school house in Copperopolis. I wish I had a pic of the school house in Copperopolis. Thanks so much for the pictures and the article.