Honoring the Legacy of Miss Margaret, Founder of The Little Red Schoolhouse
For more than four decades, The Little Red Schoolhouse has been a cornerstone of the Clarence community, shaping young minds and hearts with love, faith, and creativity.
Miss Margaret and her daughter Molly
Founded in 1981 by Margaret Kiesel, affectionately known as “Miss Margaret”, the nondenominational Christian school has welcomed children ages two through third grade into an environment where education and nurturing care go hand in hand.
Miss Margaret’s vision was born from determination and faith. While caring for her husband, Conrad, who had been diagnosed with polio, and raising six children, she set out to create a preschool rooted in Christian values. What began as a dream blossomed into an institution that has impacted more than 4,000 children and their families.
This past August, Miss Margaret passed away at the age of 89. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and great grandmother, and also as an educator and businesswoman whose strong work ethic, selfless generosity, and deep commitment to her community inspired all who knew her. Miss Margaret's legacy extends beyond the classroom, as she actively supported local charities, civic groups, and organizations ranging from the many local charities including the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company.
Today, her daughters carry on her vision, ensuring that The Little Red Schoolhouse continues to thrive. The school remains committed to its founding principles: making learning fun, fostering creativity, and building community.
Miss Margaret’s contributions have been recognized widely. In 2007, she was named a Woman of Distinction by Senator Mary Lou Rath, and over the years, The Little Red Schoolhouse has received numerous awards for its dedication to children and families. Just last May, Miss Margaret was honored with the Dorothy B. Millard Award, a fitting recognition of her lifelong commitment to education and service.
Through every lesson taught, every community event hosted, and every child nurtured, Miss Margaret’s legacy shines brightly. The Little Red Schoolhouse stands not only as a place of learning but as a living testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and love.
Miss Margaret’s vision was born from determination and faith. While caring for her husband, Conrad, who had been diagnosed with polio, and raising six children, she set out to create a preschool rooted in Christian values. What began as a dream blossomed into an institution that has impacted more than 4,000 children and their families.
This past August, Miss Margaret passed away at the age of 89. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and great grandmother, and also as an educator and businesswoman whose strong work ethic, selfless generosity, and deep commitment to her community inspired all who knew her. Miss Margaret's legacy extends beyond the classroom, as she actively supported local charities, civic groups, and organizations ranging from the many local charities including the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company.
Today, her daughters carry on her vision, ensuring that The Little Red Schoolhouse continues to thrive. The school remains committed to its founding principles: making learning fun, fostering creativity, and building community.
Miss Margaret’s contributions have been recognized widely. In 2007, she was named a Woman of Distinction by Senator Mary Lou Rath, and over the years, The Little Red Schoolhouse has received numerous awards for its dedication to children and families. Just last May, Miss Margaret was honored with the Dorothy B. Millard Award, a fitting recognition of her lifelong commitment to education and service.
Through every lesson taught, every community event hosted, and every child nurtured, Miss Margaret’s legacy shines brightly. The Little Red Schoolhouse stands not only as a place of learning but as a living testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and love.