History
In 1964, Margaret Gifford was about to retire as director of the Dearborn School in Cambridge, but she was not quite finished with her work. She saw the desperate need for more special education school settings. So with few resources and a great resolve, Ms. Gifford rented a house on 384 Broadway in Cambridge and founded The Gifford School.
The new school was small in the beginning with one building and very little play area. Progressively, the size of the program grew as did the need for new physical space. In 1971, the School relocated to its present 26-acre Weston site.
Margaret Gifford died in 1974, but her vision was carried on by a succession of experts in the field of special education. Though each decade has brought new challenges and opportunities for the School, a dedicated staff and administration have made sure to preserve Margaret's legacy.
Margaret would be pleased to see the growth in enrollment which now numbers 100 students from 60 different communities. She would also applaud the dramatic improvement made to the physical facilities, including the addition of a multi-purpose facility housing a gym, greenhouse, computer center, and kitchen. In addition, we have built a new middle and lower school, art room and library, and renovated our 200 year old main building.
Margaret would be most pleased with the level of professionalism, the quality educational and clinical program, and the competent and caring people who continue to carry on her mission.
Future
The Gifford School is looking ahead to face the next challenges in special education. Its evolution is forward thinking and progressive while maintaining its tradition of an informal and therapeutic community.
Throughout Gifford's history, the staff has been the real heart of the School. Margaret knew that hiring competent and caring people was an essential ingredient to a successful program. It has been Gifford's staff who has advanced the school's reputation for excellence, and it will be Gifford's staff who will carry the School into its next phase.
