Central School was built in 1901 from designs by James Gamble Rogers. In 1905, the name was changed to Gorton School in honor of Lake Forest mayor Edward F. Gorton. Several prominent local architects made their mark on the building: a remodeling by Howard Van Doren Shaw in 1917, an addition on the east side including an auditorium by Anderson and Ticknor in 1935 and a 1953 renovation by Ralph Milman.
The school hosted many different grade levels throughout the years ranging from kindergarten through high school; for much of its tenure it educated K-8. Gorton School was known for its extensive collection of artwork much of which was purchased during the tenure of superintendent John E. Baggett (1902-1936), whose name graced the auditorium for many years.
Gorton School closed in 1971 and was scheduled for demolition. Local citizens rallied around its rescue and the building became the Gorton Community Center.