On April 25, 1905, the city Board of Education met and decided to plan for a new four-classroom school and appointed a building committee consisting of, J.L. Carinder, J.D. Booth and A.G. Winkler.

It was determined that the building, along with the grounds, furnishings and heating, would cost approximately $25,000.00. A resolution was passed that a bond election would be held as soon as the law would permit. On June 5, 1905, the school board voted approval to call the new school Washington School.

Population in Caney was 3,300 and growing with an increase of 1,000 from 1904. The school building program was promoted with the architect, E.A. Smith of George P. Washburn firm, Iola, Kansas, furnishing plans for four classrooms, an auditorium, foyers upstairs and down, two rest rooms on the bottom floor, heating and maintenance rooms, basement with concrete floors , belfry and bell. The building was to be located on a full city block between West Third and Second and North Fawn and North Foreman.

The bond election was successful and the school opened in March 1906. The building provided educational service until the early 1950's with the last principal being Ruth Dow. It was sold to the Assembly of God Church in Feburary 1956 and remodeled for Church assembly , Sunday School classrooms and an apartment. In May 1964 an unfortunate fire completely destroyed the building. The building site is now used for a communitiy playground and ball park.