Lake Ave Elementary Celebrates 100 Years

A group of Lake Ave Elementary staff and students pose on the school’s steps alongside a representative from Congressman Paul Tonko’s office, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Senator James Tedisco, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — When the Palladian-style Lake Avenue school building opened in 1924, no students crossing its entrance knew about the Great Depression or World War II or Beatlemania. 100 years later, the Saratoga Springs City School District is celebrating the history of Lake Ave Elementary with a bevy of proclamations and celebrations.

On April 30, Lake Avenue School Day was officially declared by a representative from Congressman Paul Tonko’s office, State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, State Senator James Tedisco, and Mayor John Safford. The group gathered outside at the corner of Lake Ave. and Regent St. to issue their decrees.

“The history of this school is so long and so great,” said Mayor Safford. “It kind of reflects this wonderful little city that we call our own.”

After the city’s former high school burned down, the Lake Ave building replaced it. The first graduating class was in 1924, and the building remained the city’s high school until 1965. It was briefly transformed into a junior high until 1972, when it then became the elementary school that it remains today.

In celebration of 100 years, an open-house style community event will be held at the school on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse a historical exhibition, take a guided tour of the building, play two-square games, listen to live music, enjoy some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or Nally coffee, and shop for limited edition centennial merchandise. The event will also feature food trucks, face painting, and a book fair. 

For more information about the festivities, visit www.lakeavepta.com/events/centennial.