K.T. Murphy School has successfully served the Cove community for more than a century. While we continue to look to the future, striving toward our goal of providing the best possible education for each and every student, we also remain proud of our unique heritage.

• K.T. Murphy School, originally known as the “Cove School”, was a one-room schoolhouse located on Weed Avenue. As was customary of the day, pupils were enrolled in all grades and were instructed by one teacher. (The original structure, now a private home, still stands today.)

• The Cove School was one of two school communities that served the entire school population of Stamford.  In 1893, Katherine T. Murphy was hired as a teacher at the Cove School.

• By 1898, it became necessary to expand the educational facilities. Land was purchased to build on Horton Street.  A new Cove School was constructed and occupied in 1900, with a two-room model.  One of the classroom teachers was Katherine T. Murphy.

• Miss Murphy was appointed principal in 1913, a post she held until her retirement in 1948.  Katherine T. Murphy was principal of K.T. Murphy School for 35 years and devoted a total of 55 years to the educational profession.

• In 1922, a second phase of construction was completed to accommodate increased enrollment.  The school now housed eight classrooms.

• The name “Cove School” was changed to its present name “The Katherine T. Murphy School” in February, 1946.  It is one of only a few instances where a school name has been dedicated while the person is still living as well as still serving as its principal.

• Beginning in 1910 with its first principal, Frank W. Nichols; K.T. Murphy (Cove School) has been under the supervision of a total of ten principals: Katherine T. Murphy, Winston J. Atherton, Thomas F. Clear, Thomas F. Callahan, Nadine Schultz, Walter Goodwin, Lawrence T. Nichols, Kathleen Pfister and the current principal, Barbara Friedman.

• On September 10, 1956, a new wing was dedicated. The new annex would house all of the kindergarten and first grade classrooms, as well as an auditorium, a gymnasium (that would double as a cafeteria,) and a kitchen. This new wing (connected to the old building via a glassed-in corridor known as “the breezeway), now provided K.T. Murphy with enough space to support a four-classroom model for grades K through 6.

• K.T. Murphy School went through its last renovation in 1987 when, in addition to a lead and asbestos abatement, a wonderful new Media Center was added.  Murphy reopened in 1990 and stands as it is today, an integral part of this historic neighborhood.

Heinze Warneke
TUMBLING BEARS, c.1936, bronze

Original NEW DEAL sculpture,
a gift of the Federal Government and cast as part of
the City of Stamford Percent for Art Program