Universal Alcorn Charter Elementary School, charter school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Universal Alcorn Charter Elementary School is an elementary school in Philadelphia serving students from kindergarten through grade 8. The school building, a historic structure from the early 1930s made of yellow brick with three floors, features a raised basement, Gothic details, and a crenellated parapet that gives it a castle-like appearance.
The school building was constructed between 1931 and 1932 by architect Irwin T. Catharine in the Late Gothic Revival style. In 1988, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and architectural character.
The school is known for its music and arts programs, which feature jazz and soul performances that reflect the community's cultural diversity. These events bring students and families together and create a sense of shared pride and identity in the neighborhood.
The school is located in the Grays Ferry neighborhood and is easily accessible by local buses, with parking nearby. The main entrance on Dickinson Street is open to visitors, and the school offers programs in multiple languages.
The building has a striking silhouette with a crenellated parapet at the top that resembles a small castle, and two main entrances framed in stone. This unusual castle-like design for a 1930s school building makes it a recognizable landmark in the neighborhood.
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