Would You Turn an Abandoned School into a Dream Home?

Empty educational spaces with plenty of promise

Want to relive your school days? Well now you can, because these incredible educational buildings are ripe for conversion. With their cavernous halls and distinctive architecture, these deserted North American schools for sale have the potential to become amazing, one-of-a-kind residences – especially this historic site in Marshall, Texas. So if you're on the lookout for a fixer-upper with a difference, then run, don't walk and simply click or scroll on...

Abandoned high school, Texas, USA: $2.3 million

If your budget will allow, then you could get your hands on this stylish and spacious abandoned high school in the city of Marshall, Texas. On the market with LoopNet and JP & Associates Commercial for a cool $2.3 million, it doesn't come cheap, but it does provide endless space and development potential.

Abandoned high school, Texas, USA: $2.3 million

The former school sits on 11 acres of land and measures a whopping 138,000 square feet. Rich in history, Lady Bird, the wife of former US president, Linden B. Johnson, studied here. What's even better, the city of Marshall has declared that it is open to any proposals for the development of the building, which means whatever your imagination comes up with could be fulfilled if you snap up this property. They are also offering major tax credits, to help the new owner with their project.

Abandoned high school, Texas, USA: $2.3 million

The building was finished in 1924, but renovated in 1980. It's laid out over three floors and comes complete with two indoor basketball courts, two gymnasiums, thousands of dollars’ worth of kitchen equipment, four parking lots, a huge movie theater, two cafeterias, two auditoriums and, of course, endless classrooms. It goes without saying that a lot of time and money will be needed to transform the property, though, so are you up to the task?

Read on for more incredible abandoned schools in North America...

Shadeland School, Indiana, USA: $500,000

Offering incredible value for money, this imposing building is currently up for sale for just $500,000. The former Shadeland School can be found in the city of Anderson, Indiana, and occupies almost two acres. Encompassing 37,000 square feet, we can't quite get over how cheap this huge property is. Let's take a look inside...

Shadeland School, Indiana, USA: $500,000

From its elegant brick and limestone exterior to its spacious interior, Shadeland School has lots of potential. Inside, you'll find 18 classrooms and a full-size gymnasium, all of which are rundown and a little uninspiring. The building dates back to 1926 and many of the rooms benefit from chic period details, including hardwood floors and gorgeous tiled walls, which could be sensitively incorporated into a renovation.

Shadeland School, Indiana, USA: $500,000

What's more, the property is currently zoned R3, which will allow the construction of up to 25 apartment units. With so much floor space on offer, the possibilities really are endless, from creating a lucrative residential development to embarking on a commercial venture.

1920s schoolhouse, Massachusetts, USA: $799,000

Positioned adjacent to Tremont Mill Pond in the quiet residential neighborhood of West Wareham, Massachusetts, this characterful property is currently for sale for $799,000. From its pretty façade to its spacious interior, there's much to love about this quaint little building.

1920s schoolhouse, Massachusetts, USA: $799,000

For your money, you’ll acquire almost two acres of land and 12,600 square feet of interior space. The former schoolhouse was built back in 1920 and was last renovated in 1984. Inside, you'll find endless original features, such as large sash windows, high ceilings, beautiful millwork, timber doors and built-ins that would be well worth rescuing.

1920s schoolhouse, Massachusetts, USA: $799,000

Each floor spans approximately 4,200 square feet, so there’s potential for the new owner to create up to 12 units with two bedrooms each, without having to change any exterior walls. However, it could also be turned into an amazing single-family home. The choice would be yours. Plus, with all that exterior space there's room for further expansion if you have the budget and the imagination to do so.

Newburgh School, New York, USA: $895,000

This striking, dilapidated property in the city of Newburgh, New York, is on the market for $895,000 and despite its rundown state, is still as grand and imposing as it would have been when it was built in 1950. From its glorious exterior stonework to its ample windows, the former school has plenty of curb appeal.

Newburgh School, New York, USA: $895,000

Spread out across three floors, the 6,000-square-foot building has endless interior space for you to play with. Inside there are currently six offices and classrooms, a sanctuary, three large bathrooms, a kitchen, a conference room, an AV room and a spacious reception area that could be turned into a lovely entrance hall.

Newburgh School, New York, USA: $895,000

Some of the rooms are fairly dark and dingy, but this is something that could easily be rectified with a spot of careful planning. There are plenty of other plus points, including the building's gorgeous sash windows and exposed brick elements. Outside, there's even a 2.3-acre yard that's waiting to be put to use and thanks to recent upgrades, some of the renovation work has already been completed.

Imposing brick school, New York, USA: $1.1 million

Are you house-hunting in Buffalo, New York? Then turn your attention to this abandoned property. Once a bustling school, its corridors and classrooms are waiting to be brought back to life. 

Imposing brick school, New York, USA: $1.1 million

The property was constructed in 1920 and underwent renovation works in 2010. Inside, it spans 26,000 square feet across four floors and every room is spacious and light-filled, thanks to high ceilings and oversized windows. But clearly a lot of work would be needed to turn the building from drab to fab.

Imposing brick school, New York, USA: $1.1 million

As well as several classrooms, offices, and bathrooms, the property also has a huge gymnasium with arched windows and structural columns, which would make for a rather impressive open-plan living room. If you fancy getting your hands on the place, then it's for sale right now for a snip under $1.1 million, which we think is a bit of a bargain!

Three-story school, New Jersey, USA: $1.8 million

If you're in the market for an imposing home with space, style, and endless potential, then this former school in Haddonfield, New Jersey, could well be for you. While it needs some serious renovation work in order to transform it, we just know that the right buyer could create a seriously mind-blowing mansion.

Three-story school, New Jersey, USA: $1.8 million

For sale with Vantage Commercial for $1.8 million, the buyer will need some deep pockets. But with over 50,000 square feet of inside space and a 1.3-acre backyard to play with, the building does have a lot to offer. Spread over three floors, the former school features an amazing gymnasium, a cafeteria, numerous classrooms and offices, multiple bathrooms, and a lift that connects each floor.

Three-story school, New Jersey, USA: $1.8 million

Some of the spaces are a little dark and could definitely benefit from some additional windows. In fact, every single interior space will need to be transformed, so this is not a job for the faint of heart. It does benefit from two access points onto the Kings Highway, though, and it's even partially gated with a small playground outside. 

Loved this? Take a tour of more unusual buildings and abandoned houses for sale