Fairview Middle School, in Erie County, Pennsylvania, has had many different names and student populations over its long history. Built in 1961, the building began as the Fairview Junior/Senior High School, housing grades 7-12. During the 1960's and early 70's, changes took place to meet the needs of an expanding enrollment. One of the original interior courtyards was converted into usable classrooms and some of the middle school aged students were sent to the Manchester School on the corner of West Lake Road and Manchester Roads--which is now the Manchester Presbyterian Lodge Nursing Home. When the present Fairview High School opened in 1973, Fairview Junior/Senior High School was renamed Garwood Middle School and housed all students in grade 6, 7, and 8.
As middle school enrollments began to decline in the 1980's and with the aging Chestnut Elementary School unable to house grades K-5, the fifth grade was moved to Garwood in the fall of 1988. The addition of another grade level and the expansion of the curriculum eventually led to overcrowded conditions. By the mid-1990's, it became obvious that Garwood needed renovations and additional space. In 2004, the renovation process was complete and included the addition of 12 new classrooms - now housing the 5th and 6th graders, two new labs, an expansion of the library, a new cafeteria, and a new fitness room. The renovations also included the reconfiguration of the original building to meet the needs of a modern educational facility. With the new renovations came another new name. The school is now called Fairview Middle School, which is more in-line with the other two schools in the district: Fairview Elementary School and Fairview High School!
Historical information recorded by Michael and Caroline Ferrare, former teachers at FMS.
Fairview Middle School
4967 Avonia Rd
Fairview, PA 16415
Attendance: 814-474-3126
Fax: 814-474-1640