Elementary School L, USA

Elementary School L was built in the early 1900’s, with the oldest block being constructed in Classical Revival style. Art Deco stone panels stand proudly above the main entrance. The building was added to the city historic register in the 1980’s. It appears the school closed in the mid- to late 2000’s, based on the information available. 

These buildings started life as a mainstream elementary school, before changing to an “achievement centre” offering support to students who did not respond well to more traditional schooling. There was a strong focus on reducing absences, offering support to grades 8 through 12. There were catch-up classes for over-aged students, as well as child care programs supporting young parents to continue their school education. 

The school is remarkably well-preserved, and almost entirely free of graffiti. There are many long, dark corridors lined with grey or blue lockers. Numerous classrooms lead off from these corridors, most are bare and relatively unphotogenic. On the lower floors, peeling paint hangs from the ceilings and lays scattered on the linoleum floor.

There is a gymnasium with basketball court markings, complete with a lonely basketball sitting near the middle of the sprung wooden floor.

There is also a moderately sized auditorium. A painted countryside backdrop hangs to the rear of the stage, a relic of one of the last drama performances nearly a decade ago.