Featured Site – Jefferson School Annex

A Rare Survivor of Kenosha’s Educational History

During Keys to Kenosha, the City will be unlocking one of its most unique former school buildings for the public to explore. At a time when Kenosha has lost several historic schools, this site stands out as one that will be saved, not only because of its architectural character, but because of the extraordinary story behind it. Visitors are welcome to tour the building freely; no docent is required, and the experience is designed for discovery.

A School Built for Healing

The Jefferson School Annex began its life as the Kenosha Orthopedic–Open Air School, founded in 1911 as Wisconsin’s first public school dedicated to students with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses such as tuberculosis. At a time when fresh air, sunlight, rest, and nutrition were considered essential components of treatment, the school offered a groundbreaking model: education paired with health care.

In 1929, the Open Air School moved to the building now known as the Jefferson Elementary Annex. The new facility was designed in a Spanish Mission style, featuring a two‑story layout filled with sunlight and fresh air. Built with specialized burned Kenosha brick, the structure could accommodate up to 100 students aged 4 to 21, providing a place where children could learn, recover, and grow in an environment tailored to their needs. The Open Air School remained in operation until 1961, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and innovation in public education.

A Building That Adapted With the Times

After the Open Air School closed, the building transitioned into an annex for Jefferson Elementary School under the Kenosha Unified School District. It continued serving students until redistricting led to its closure in 2011. That same year, the building found new life as the home of the Kenosha eSchool, an early online‑learning program that operated there until 2024.

In early 2026, the City of Kenosha acquired the site with plans to partner with a development group to rehabilitate and preserve the building. Today, the Jefferson School Annex is listed on the local Register of Historic Places, ensuring that its story and its architecture will remain part of Kenosha’s landscape.

A Fun Piece of History

One of the most charming stories connected to the Open Air School comes from Kenosha resident Dorothy Schackmuth, the first person in Wisconsin to envision a public school for handicapped children. Her advocacy gained national attention, earning recognition from President Roosevelt and author Albert Payson Terhune, whose beloved “Lad” books inspired the TV series Lassie. Terhune sent Miss Schackmuth a collie puppy from his famous kennel — a dog missing part of his nose — and she named him Laddie, after the character in the books. It’s a small but heartfelt reminder of how deeply this school touched lives.

Experience the Annex During Keys to Kenosha

During Keys to Kenosha, visitors will have the rare opportunity to walk through this historic building, explore its rooms, and imagine the generations of students who learned and healed within its walls. With no docent required, guests can take their time, absorb the architecture, and appreciate the significance of a school that helped shape Wisconsin’s early approach to accessible education.

Whether you’re interested in local history, historic preservation, or simply discovering one of Kenosha’s most unique educational landmarks, the Jefferson School Annex is a meaningful stop on your Keys to Kenosha journey.