Bettis Academy and Junior College, Historic African-American school complex in Trenton, United States.
Bettis Academy is a historic school complex with three main buildings: the Alexander Bettis Library, a Classroom Building, and Biddle Hall, constructed between 1935 and 1942. The campus spans roughly 2.8 acres and combines various architectural styles with rough stone walls and metal roofing.
The Academy was founded in 1881 by Alexander Bettis and served Black students until 1952. The main buildings rose during the Great Depression era as the school expanded to provide both classroom education and practical trade skills.
The campus buildings display a mix of Bungalow and Colonial Revival styles with rough stone walls and metal roofs that reflect the school's craftsmanship heritage. The grounds stand today as a testament to the educational efforts of the Black community in the region.
The grounds sit at the junction of Bettis Academy Road and Nicholson Road and are easily walkable. Visitors should allow time to explore the individual buildings and the wooded grounds surrounding the campus.
In 1939, students themselves built the Alexander Bettis Community Library as part of the Faith Cabin Libraries program. This project blended trade training with community service and demonstrates the hands-on education the school offered.
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