On March 3, 1849 a meeting was held at the home of James McKarmant to decide on a place for the new school that was to be built in Potsdam. It was decided to place it on the corners of Frank Schmitt and James McKarmant's land. The building would be log with a fire place . The school opened in the fall of 1849, with 40 children attending. At this time, the teacher was paid thirty -six dollars for the school year. In 1852, the school district hired a qualified teacher, who was paid fifty-two dollars for three months of work, which was all that school was in session for at the time. At one point in time, the school in Potsdam was known as Columbus School.

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At the annual meeting of 1858 a vote was taken to collect a tax to raise money for building  a new rock school house. Mr. William Johnston was chairman at this meeting. In 1866 there were four months of school taught and the teacher earned $140 for this time period. In 1867 there were sixty-two white children (36 male and 26 female) and three dark males (after the Civil War it was necessary to include the "darkeys"-This was referenced in the school records.) 

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Later, a two room school house was built just in front of where the rock school house stood. It still stands today. The rock school house, however, was sold and torn down, then the books and records burnt. Few books or records were saved from the fire. Before World War One, German School was held for several weeks following the end of regular session. Since 1963, students have attended the Hermann School District.