John Greenleaf Whittier School

John Greenleaf Whittier School is a three-story brick structure with terra cotta details, spanning five bays and displaying Classical Revival elements at its entrance. The solid masonry walls and decorative trim reflect the careful craftsmanship typical of early 20th-century school architecture.

The building was constructed in 1913 by Cramp & Co under architect Henry deCourcy Richards. It served Philadelphia's public education system for about a century before changing use.

The school is named after John Greenleaf Whittier, a poet whose legacy of social activism remains connected to this place. Visitors can sense the historical connection between the building and the values this figure represented.

The building sits in the Allegheny West neighborhood with straightforward street access and ample surrounding grounds. It is easily viewable from outside, making it simple to explore the exterior without special permissions.

The building received National Register of Historic Places recognition in 1988 for its architectural value. This listing acknowledges its importance as a surviving example of early 20th-century school architecture.

Location: Philadelphia

GPS coordinates: 40.00222,-75.17417

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47