The James S. Hallowell Collection consists of papers from the Alexandria Boarding School (1824 - ?) including: correspondence from parents to the school, minutes, and catalogs. Also in the collection are the regulations and catalogs of the Alexandria Female Seminary (1848-1860). Additionally there are class notes and exercises (of undetermined origin), a report card, and personal diary books from James S. Hallowell and Mary [S.] Hallowell.

The collection consists primarily of student records and student newspapers. There are several miscellaneous items as well. Topics covered include: school organization, rules of behavior, student achievement, student names, places of residence and dates of attendance, and academic subjects and undertakings.

These documents mostly relate to the property at King and Alfred, the location of the Peabody School Building.