Did you know that Gorrie Elementary School is the oldest operating elementary school in Florida? It has a rich history. It has evolved from a small grammar school to a modern educational institution.
Let’s step back in time to 1889. The school began as Hyde Park Grammar School. It was a modest wood frame building. It had two classrooms and one teacher. The school was located at Platt Street and Magnolia Avenue.
As Tampa’s Hyde Park grew, the school needed more space. In 1903, it moved to a new brick building. This new building fronted North Boulevard. It was the first brick school building in Tampa. Two hundred and forty students attended.
Growth continued. In 1912, a second brick building was added. This addition included indoor toilets. It also featured classroom fireplaces. These were modern amenities for the time.
In 1915, the school received a new name. It became John B. Gorrie Elementary School. This was to honor Dr. John B. Gorrie. He invented the ice-making machine. His invention was a forerunner to modern air conditioning. Dr. Gorrie is one of two Floridians with a statue in the U.S. Capitol.
Gorrie Elementary was renovated in 1977. The renovation maintained the building’s character. It also met contemporary needs. In 1989, the roof and exterior walls were repaired. This preserved Gorrie’s historic integrity.
Technology became a focus in 1995. The school was retrofitted with technology. This was funded by a state grant. A new Media Center was built in 2002. Four kindergarten classrooms were also added.
Gorrie Elementary celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015. The school held a reunion. Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Gorrie alumni attended.
Throughout its history, Gorrie Elementary has maintained high standards. Its curriculum has evolved. It reflects societal changes and technological advancements.
Gorrie Elementary has received several awards. These include the Golden School Award. It also won the Five Star School Award. It also received the Florida School Recognition Award.
Today, Gorrie Elementary continues its mission. It strives for academic excellence. It prepares students for life’s challenges. It remains an outstanding school because of dedicated staff, parents, and community partners. Alesha Looper is the principal. Stephanie Mathews is the assistant principal. Gorrie Elementary stands as a testament to Tampa’s commitment to education. It blends history with modern learning.