Peirce School, (originally pronounced as if it were spelled "Purse" but now usually pronounced as if it were spelled "Pierce"), was named for Cyrus Peirce, (1790–1860), a Unitarian minister and educator, who was the first principal (or president) of the first Normal School opened in the United States in Lexington and served as such from 1839 until 1842 when he retired because of poor health.

Peirce moved to Newton that year and resumed his leadership of the school and served until 1849, when he again retired because of ill health.

The exterior was built of granite, brick and sandstone with a slate roof.

The imposing entrance facing Austin Street was largely ceremonial and served as the place for taking class pictures.

The City of Newton assessment rolls show the building as vacant, but recent aerial photos show a paved parking lot with cars parked in it on the south side of the building.