This September, the combined Darby Vassal Upper School (DVUS) and Tobin Montessori complex moved back to their original location after four years of construction. The construction was the last project in a series of complete school renovations throughout Cambridge, undergone as a part of The Innovation Agenda. David Murphy, Interim Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools, described the renovation projects to the Register Forum as “The culmination of a historic and profound series of investments by the people of Cambridge in our school district.”
The Innovation Agenda began in 2011, and since 2017, Principal Frost of Tobin, and Principal Coplon-Newfield of DVUS have heralded renovation meetings for their school. Frost explained to the RF that the plans for the construction project were developed in conversation with various members of the community, including students and families: “In those early meetings, everyone got to share their hopes and dreams for the site. As we moved forward, these groups continued to provide feedback on building designs and the outdoor campus.” After the 2020–2021 school year and some delay due to COVID-19, both schools packed up and moved into temporary locations. Soon after, construction began on their original site. The process has been long, and even upon moving in, outdoor aspects such as the basketball court are not complete, dissappointing some DVUS students.
Despite these deficiencies, the new building also features appealing qualities, such as sunlit hallways and four mosaic murals. And the changes go beyond aesthetics; the new buildings now have their own gyms—whereas they used to share one—and the halls are more spacious, with classrooms arranged by subject and grade. In the temporary building, spaces were just as cramped, causing scheduling issues in the gym, cafeteria, and auditorium. Current DVUS eighth grader and KLO alum Marko Gagoski told the RF, “I like having two gyms, one for Tobin and one for [DVUS students], so we don’t have to share anymore.” Additionally, hallways are on separate floors for different grades, and classes were built with specific subjects in mind.
Along with moving into a renovated building, the middle school has changed its name from the Vassal Lane Upper School to the Darby Vassall Upper School. Darby Vassall became an active abolitionist in Cambridge and Boston in 1812. His and others’ efforts to educate Black children resulted in the Abiel Smith School 10 years later. In December of 2023, and after input from the community, the student committee voted to rename the Vassal Lane school for Darby Vassall. The Vassal Family—Vassal Lane’s namesake—owned enslaved people, including Darby Vassal, whose family sued for their freedom. The change was made to honor the contributions of Black Cantabrigians and move away from dishonorable aspects of Cambridge history. Principal Coplon-Newfield shared with the RF, “We are honored to be named for Darby Vassall and hope to live up to his legacy.”
This article also appears in our September 2025 print edition.
