School Spirit

Outside of one’s place of residence, a school structure is often the first instance of architecture to leave a strong imprint on developing minds. Civic institutions, these structures reflect society’s investment in the future and its promise. The collection of Upper West Side educational buildings reflects a range of times and styles. We are fortunate enough to have the first instance of the H-Plan school by C. B. J. Snyder which changed the typology of hundreds of NYC Public Schools to follow, allowing them to occupy often cheaper, (and quieter!) mid-block sites while still providing light and air to the classrooms. Grab some loose leaf sheets and sharpen your number two pencil as we explore schools of the Upper West Side together.

Special thanks to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine for his support of our research.