“Did you know that this school was once two schools?” I ask as we gather before the impressive facade of George W. Childs Elementary School. It stands here in Philadelphia’s Point Breeze neighborhood, a place of learning with a layered past.
George W. Childs Elementary School wasn’t always called that. The building first housed the Jeremiah Nichols School. Later, it became Norris S. Barratt Junior High School. Today, it’s a K-8 school, part of the School District of Philadelphia.
Look closely at the architecture. The original section was built in 1908. Henry deCourcy Richards designed it in the Late Gothic Revival style. Notice the three-story, three-bay brick building.
Then, in 1926 and 1927, an expansion occurred. Irwin T. Catharine designed this addition in the Art Deco style. See the four-story, seven-bay brick building? Two different architects. Two different styles. One unified school.
The George W. Childs Elementary School holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. But, the school’s history extends beyond its architecture. In 2010, the old Childs school building closed. Students moved here. Later, in 2013, Walter G. Smith Elementary School closed and those students came here as well. By December of that year, the student body had grown to 800.
The George W. Childs Elementary School has a mission. That is to help every child become a more active, engaged, committed, and skillful learner. The school aims to do this for a lifetime.
This school has points of pride. A former art teacher was a finalist for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The school hosts a Career Day and an Art Expo. Rodeph Shallom provides mentorship. The library is fully functioning and accessible. Students can research and take books home.
Furthermore, George W. Childs Elementary School partners with CHOP’s PRAISE Program. It teaches students problem-solving strategies. The students learn about empathy and perspective-taking.
So, as we stand here, remember the layers of history within these walls. Remember the dedication to education that continues to thrive here at George W. Childs Elementary School. It’s more than just a building; it’s a testament to community and the enduring power of learning.