Perry School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Perry School
|
|
 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 2266 Laurel Mill-Centerville Rd., near Centerville, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 14.7 acres (5.9 ha) |
| Built | 1941, 1949, 1952, 1963 |
| Architect | Holloway-Reeves |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 10001110 |
| Added to NRHP | January 3, 2011 |
Perry School is a historic group of school buildings located near Centerville in Franklin County, North Carolina. This school complex was very important for the education of African-American students in the area. It is one of the few schools from its time that still exists in the county.
Contents
About Perry School
What is Perry School?
Perry School is not just one building, but a collection of four main structures. These buildings were constructed over several years. The first school building was finished in 1941. Later, a concrete block wing was added in 1949. A larger brick high school building was built in 1952. Finally, a brick gym and auditorium, called a "gymtorium," was completed in 1963.
The school grounds also include a baseball field. There are also two sets of brick pillars. These pillars were put up by students from two different graduating classes.
Why Was Perry School Important?
Perry School was built to provide education for African-American students in Franklin County. At that time, schools were often separated by race. The first school building was built with money from the Public Works Administration (PWA). The PWA was a government program that helped create jobs and build public projects during the Great Depression.
Perry School served its community for many years. However, in 1968, the school closed. This happened because schools in the United States began to integrate. This meant that students of all races could attend the same schools.
Becoming a Historic Place
Because of its important history, Perry School was recognized as a special place. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This listing helps protect the school complex. It also reminds people of its role in the history of education in North Carolina.
