The elementary school is older; it dates back to the 1860s with school rooms and houses in various locations. In 1890, school trustees started a new building, but it—and the old building—were completely destroyed in an arson fire before it was finished. A replacement three-story, redwood Greek Revival building was put up after the September fire and in time to open in February, 1891. The stucco one-story building which currently houses the Ferndale Elementary School was built in 1924. The baby-boom of the 1960s resulted in classes at the Fairgrounds as well as the addition of four modular classrooms (since removed), and the construction of a gymnasium in 1967. The following year, the closure of the Assumption Catholic School (1915–1968) rapidly increased enrollment as 117 students transferred and the rising enrollment resulted in the addition of five primary classrooms and a playground. In 1976 the building was retrofitted for earthquakes.