History
Since opening its doors in 1929, Milford Middle School has stood as a cornerstone of the Greater Milford community. Designed and built as part of the DuPont school construction initiative, the original three-story structure quickly expanded to meet the educational needs of a growing population. Prior to its construction, students in Milford were educated in separate North and South Milford Schools. The consolidation of these schools into one district in 1899 sparked the need for a centralized facility.
Throughout its history, the Milford Middle School building has served students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It originally housed junior-senior high school students and evolved over time to serve various grade configurations, including 6th–8th graders in its final years before closing in 2013.
The school also holds deep historical significance. In 1954, it was the site of one of Delaware’s first attempts at school integration following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Known as “The Milford 11,” eleven African American students enrolled in Milford High School, then located in this building. Despite initial resistance and setbacks, the district was fully integrated by 1967. A historical marker at the site honors these courageous students and the lasting legacy of their efforts.
Today, plans to restore and modernize the building include preserving the 1929 façade, gymnasium, and auditorium while creating updated learning environments. The project reflects the community’s pride and commitment to preserving the school’s rich history while charting a new course for future generations.
In October 2021, The Milford School District referendum was approved with 67% of voters in favor of the Milford School District seeking bonds in the amount of $14,890,318 to restore and revitalize the Milford Middle School property.
Milford Middle School reopened its doors in September 2025 after years of vacancy and construction. The 1929 historic section was thoughtfully restored, and new wings were added to reconfigure the school’s footprint to support a 21st-century learning environment, while preserving the original gymnasium, auditorium, and surrounding grounds.