About Us

Barnum School: A Legacy of Learning

Barnum School first opened its doors in 1892 and was named after Phineas Taylor Barnum, a renowned showman, philanthropist, and former Mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mr. Barnum, who passed away on April 7, 1891, generously donated the land on which the original school was built. At the time, Barnum School was considered the most beautiful and largest school in the state.

The original building had three floors. The third floor housed the auditorium, gymnasium, and three classrooms. Tragically, on the night of January 14, 1938, a devastating arson fire destroyed much of the structure. Although plans were developed for a new building—including a 350-seat auditorium, a modern heating system, and fireproofing—those plans were not approved. The rebuilt school opened in 1939 without the third floor, and therefore, without an auditorium.

Today, Barnum School is in its third building and continues its mission of educating over 750 students from Bridgeport’s East Side, serving grades Pre-K through Eight. Our current state-of-the-art facility opened in August 2008 and offers students access to all the modern amenities a school should provide.