The students are arrayed in front of the original Pierce Grammar School. There are a number of older-appearing students so it can be assumed that the photo includes students from the high school that was just next door.

There were two Pierce School buildings, Grammar and Primary. This is the original Grammar building, built in 1855 on the west side of Prospect St. This building was incorporated into the 1904 replacement building for the Primary School, still standing, and its right side can be viewed there today.
incl. Streets

Courtesy, Brookline Public Library. From Photographs of Brookline: taken about 1876 / Richard Hills. Call No.: BROOKLINE/Special (CAGE B.R. 974 H6).