Welcome to the Big Woods School Foundation

Our mission is simple yet meaningful: to preserve, restore, and bring to life the historic Big Woods School, a charming one-room schoolhouse located at 3033 N. Eola Road in Aurora, IL. Back in 1918, this school was considered cutting-edge, providing education to K-12 students in the area for 45 years until it closed its doors in 1963.

The Big Woods School holds a special place in history, as it’s proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized for its historical significance by both the state of Illinois and the city of Aurora.

Once our restoration project is complete, the Big Woods School will be open for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re part of the public, a private event, or one of our special foundation gatherings, this beautiful schoolhouse will be a unique venue. Moreover, it will serve as an educational resource for the community, helping us share the rich history of the Big Woods area and the story of one-room schoolhouses. We can’t wait to welcome you to our beloved Big Woods School!

A Step Back in Time in Shabbona, Illinois

Big Woods School Foundation Board Explores Shabbona's One-Room Schoolhouse In the heart of Shabbona, Illinois, nestled amidst the serene countryside, lies a hidden gem that transports visitors back in time - a one-room schoolhouse preserved by the Resource Bank, N.A. of Shabbona. This remarkable piece of local history recently drew the attention of the Big Woods School Foundation board of directors, who embarked on an enlightening journey to explore the past. Join us as we [...]

$50,000 Grant Award
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$50,000 Grant Award

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$50,000 Grant Award

We are pleased to announce that the Big Woods School Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Capital Grants program. The grant will be used for the repair and restoration of the Big Woods School’s terra cotta tile roof. The roof repair is the first step in a complete restoration planned for the school. This is the first large grant our foundation has received, and we [...]