They began offering a classical school with Biblical training in their home to local children[1] and within two months enrollment had gone from 20 to 167 pupils.

[3] By 1834, the school had gained approval from the Greek authorities and King Otho of Greece suggested that it include training to teach girls to become teachers.

[2][4] An early pupil of the school was Elisavet Contaxaki, who was later involved in the Cretan counter revolutionary movement and was influential with diplomats resident in Crete and Constantinople.

The elementary school became a distinguished facility and its graduation ceremonies attracted local dignitaries.

At that time, her niece, Bessie Masson, assumed direction of the school, managing it for the next 34 years.

In 1918, upon Masson's death, the 3rd generation of the family, took over the direction of the school managing it until 1957, during which time the boarding facilities closed.