West Bridgewater

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West Bridgewater
West Bridgewater was first settled in 1651 as a part of Olde Bridgewater. The town separated from Bridgewater, Massachusetts and was officially incorporated in 1822, the second of the three communities to separate from Bridgewater (after North Bridgewater, now Brockton, Massachusetts and before East Bridgewater, Massachusetts) over the span of three years. The town, like many in the area, had both agrarian and industrial roots; the Town River provided water power for milling, and irrigation for farming. The town is home to the oldest standing parsonage in the US (the Keith House, 1662). The town is also believed to be the site of the first industrial park in the US, now the site of the Town Park. The original Ames shovel works was located in the park.

Today West Bridgewater is a small residential town bordering on the City of Brockton, and located at the junction of Routes 24 and 106. This access along with availability of land has resulted in increased commercial, warehouse and industrial activity near the highway in this community which was once primarily agricultural. The town does, however, retain working farms which contribute to its scenic character.

West Bridgewater operates its own school system for its approximately 1,220 students. The Spring Street School, not far from the town center, serves pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. The Rose L. MacDonald School, located closer to the geographic center of the town, serves first, second and third grade students. The Howard School, between the post office and the library, serves fourth, fifth and sixth grade students. The West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School, located along Route 106, serves students from grades 7-12.

In addition to the high school, students may choose to attend Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in South Easton free of charge. The town is also home to the New England Baptist Academy, a private Christian school serving all grades. There are also other private schools in neighboring Bridgewater and Brockton. The nearest colleges are Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Stonehill College in Easton, and Bridgewater State University.