Robertson Public School was previously known as Grantham Academy has served as an educational, civic and cultural centre since its construction in 1829. It opened as a private boys' school and remained as one until 1871 when it became a public school. The building has survived a bankruptcy, a proposed demolition and three fires, highlighting a determined longevity that is valued. Therefore, it was designated for its heritage value by the City of St. Catharines under by-law 78-359.

Originally named Grantham Academy, the high school was the second one in Upper Canada when it was constructed in 1829. The building is connected to William Hamilton Merritt, a prominent businessman and founder of the Welland Canal Company in St. Catharines, who enrolled his three sons at the Academy: Jediah, William and Thomas.

Grantham Academy also features a projecting portico with a bell tower and six large date stones. The bell in the tower was gifted to the Academy by Oliver Phelps (who worked on the original Welland Canal) and was used as more than just a school bell. For instance, it was the fist public bell in St. Catharines and was used to call the public to fight fires and for work crews on the Welland Canal.

The centrally located door with a plain trim, flush fan transom and three flush panels is protected by the front portico. Additions and renovations were completed in 1871, 1880 and 1952, with the 'Annex' (Robertson Hall) being constructed in 1910. Each of these additions were commemorated by date stones.

Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines

Canada's Historic Places. (n.d.). Robertson Public School. Retrieved from Canada's Historic Places: https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lie...

St. Catharines. (2019, April 18). Designated Heritage Properties. Retrieved from St. Catharines: https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/buildin/resources/Selected-Profiles-Designated-Heritage-Properties-revised-April-18-2019.pdf