Edwin Fitler Academics Plus School, Public elementary school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Edwin Fitler Academics Plus School is a three and a half story school building in Philadelphia constructed in 1897 using dark stone. The structure features a projecting tower with battlements, rounded arches over windows and doorways, and three gabled sections extending from the main facade.
The building was constructed in 1897 according to designs by architect Louis Anshutz, embodying the Gothic style popular at the time with its pointed features and intricate stonework. In 1986 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historical and architectural significance.
The school is named after a local philanthropist and reflects the educational values that have shaped the Germantown neighborhood since the late 1800s. The historic stone building serves as a reminder of how the community has long invested in schooling for its children.
The building is easy to spot thanks to its prominent tower and distinctive features that stand out along the street. The neighborhood has a quiet, tree-lined character that makes exploring the area on foot enjoyable and accessible.
The building was designed with fortress-like elements including battlements, giving a school structure the appearance of a defensive fortification. This unusual combination of educational and military architectural features was uncommon for schools of the late Victorian era and makes it stand out in the neighborhood.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.