Built about 1830, the one-room district schoolhouse at Stepney was a cornerstone of Connecticut public education until the 20th century. Students of all ages were taught by one teacher and often supplied their own books and writing slates. The school originally had a double outhouse, one side for girls and the other for boys. In 1872, 26 students were enrolled. When the Monroe Consolidated School opened in 1935, Monroe's seven neighborhood schools were closed and sold at auction.