The East Dubuque School was constructed in two separate sections, the first, in 1893, consisted of a two-story rectangular structure and its three-story bell tower.

The building sits on a limestone foundation and is built from brick of varying shades which give the structure an overall mottled appearance.

The building is in the Romanesque Revival style and was designed by a prominent 1890s Dubuque architect, Thomas Carkeek.

[2] The building played a key role in public education in East Dubuque (formerly Dunleith) and has stood as a landmark in the city for more than 100 years.

The U.S. National Register of Historic Places approved the listing of the East Dubuque School on November 12, 1982.