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Franco American School
Franco-American School
Formerly the Frederick Ayer Mansion
Built 1876
Building History
The former Frederick Ayer Mansion, built in 1876 and perhaps the most ornate building in Lowell, has long been a focal point on Pawtucket Street. This richly decorated Second Empire style residence was designed by Boston architect S.S. Woodcock.
Frederick Ayer's mansion reflected his power and wealth as well as the significance of the Ayer family in Lowell. Ayer came to Lowell in 1855 and joined his brother, J.C. Ayer, in his downtown patent medicine firm. Throughout his life, Ayer added to his financial power by making a series of investments. In 1871 he, along with his brother, bought controlling interest in the Tremont in Suffolk Mills. Ayer also had interests in the Washington Mills in Lawrence, the American Woolen Company, the Lake Superior Ship Canal Railway and Iron Company, and the Lowell and Andover Railroad. He was also involved with several Lowell banks and the New England Telephone Company. In 1871, Ayer served on the Board of Aldermen and later as the Chairman of the Board of Health.
Preservation and Reuse
By 1899, the Ayer family moved to Boston and from that year until 1908, the Ayer Mansion was vacant. In 1908, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate bought the estate and established a home for orphaned children of Franco American heritage. The staffing of the orphanage was entrusted to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Quebec. In 1909, the building became the property of a non-profit corporation with administrative responsibilities delegated to the Sisters of Charity. In 1912, as enrollment increased, a four-story rear brick wing was added to the original Ayer Mansion.
As the years passed, the administration of the orphanage remained attentive to the changing needs of the community. In 1963, day students were admitted to the school and its extended day care services. With this change of orientation, the Franco American Orphanage officially became Franco American School, with an academic enrollment of both residents and day students from Kindergarten through eighth grade. In 1978, the boarding school facilities were discontinued. Extended care services, both before and after school, were continued.
During the 1980's and 90's the enrollment gradually increased and double classes in grades K-8 became the norm. New programs and extra-curricular activities were added to the curriculum: i.e. a formal physical education program, a music program, an art program, a computer program, a library with a full time librarian, a counseling program, and organized athletic activities. In September 2004, Franco American School added a Pre-Kindergarten to its educational program.