Our Story

Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened in 1955 on a 12-acre site along Westbourne Road. Originally built to replace the historic Pleasant Grove School, it quickly became clear that the new building would need to grow alongside its vibrant community. Starting with six classrooms, an all-purpose room, and a kitchen, the school served 183 students in grades 1-6 with a faculty of seven. Despite its $270,000 cost and modern design, the school opened at capacity, leading to rapid expansions in 1956 and 1962, adding classrooms and an art room. The school’s first principal, Russell A. Shank, and Joint Westtown-Thornbury School Board President, Burton C. Willis, were instrumental in its early development.

In 1966, Westtown-Thornbury added its first library with the opening of Penn Wood Elementary School, giving teachers room to transition from individual classroom libraries. Over time, the library expanded under Principal James Garrity and later transformed into a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to librarian LaRue Morgan in 1989, alongside a new cafeteria and classrooms.

Always a community-centered school, Westtown-Thornbury also features “Sammy’s Place,” an outdoor educational center built in 2002 in memory of Samantha Lee Zajac, a beloved student. This amphitheater and stage serve as a unique space for outdoor learning and performances.

Today, Westtown-Thornbury Elementary continues to grow and innovate, with renovations as part of the district's long-term construction plan. Students from Westtown-Thornbury transition to Stetson Middle School and Rustin High School, embodying a proud tradition of academic excellence and community connection.