About The School

      The Historic Hernando School has been in existence since the late 1800’s in one form or another. The original wood schoolhouse was built by many of the Town Hernando’s founding families.

      In 1939 the school was redesigned by the noted WPA architect, Henry L. Taylor. Among his most famous designs was the Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.

      The “new” school was then reconstructed in red brick, just as it stands today. This new “red brick school” as it was known by the locals at the time, was an elegant colonial revival structure that became the centerpiece of the town of Hernando.

      Hernando was the last town in Citrus County to get a “red brick school” but one of the first to have a integrated one. Many former students of the original wooden school, and later the “red brick school” still live in Citrus County and have contributed to the recording of its unique past, and the role it played in the precious heritage of Citrus County. The Historic Hernando School is the last public owned historic building in the town of Hernando. It is listed on the National Register of National Historic Places.   

The Restoration Project       On September 14, 1999 the Citrus County School Board began negotiations with the Citrus County Commission to transfer ownership of the Historic Hernando School to the county.       Phase I of the project was initiated by a coalition of private citizens, businesses, and non-profit organizations which was named the Hernando Heritage Council. The Council has been organized under the Citrus County Historical Society, Inc.       In 2025 the Citrus County BOCC initiated a lease to Club Recovery of Citrus County, Inc. Now operating under the DBA of Old Schoolhouse Community Center, this non-profit organization immediately launched into a complete internal renovation of the inside of the school. This project was documented on the Club Website: Click Here Numerous business and dozens of individuals pitched in on this project and an estimated $175k conversion was made a reality.

Ongoing Improvements

     With financial support from the community this iconic property will continue to serve the community. Please consider any support you can.