Clutching their diplomas, the last graduating class of Communications Technology High School posed for a photo. It was 2013, a poignant moment etched in the school’s history. Communications Technology High School, nestled in Philadelphia’s Hedgerow neighborhood, served students from 9th to 12th grade. Its story, however, began much earlier, in 1927, as the George Wolf School. Named after the 19th-century Pennsylvania governor known as the “father” of the state’s public schools, the building itself is a testament to the Late Gothic Revival style. Three stories of yellow brick, nine bays, and a crenellated parapet—all designed by Irwin T. Catharine, a prominent Philadelphia school architect. The school thrived for decades, educating generations of Philadelphians. Later, it became Communications Academy, a part of John Bartram High School. In 2005, it was renamed Communications Technology High School. Despite its rich history and architectural significance, the school faced closure in 2013. The rise of charter schools in Philadelphia and the city’s need to consolidate its resources led to the difficult decision to shutter its doors. Students were then re-enrolled at John Bartram High School. The school’s legacy, however, extends beyond its academic function. Its unique uniform, light blue golf shirts with the school’s yellow patch and navy blue or black khaki bottoms, became a symbol of its identity. Even SEPTA routes, like the Route 36 Trolley and Routes 37, 108, and the 400-series busses, became intertwined with the daily lives of its students. As of 2018, the city planned to repurpose the building as a community center. In 2024, it was announced that Universal Vare Charter School would occupy the historic space. The story of Communications Technology High School is one of evolution, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of education within a changing urban landscape.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to