From Grand High School to Educational Campus: The Story of Evander Childs
Evander Childs Educational Campus, located in the Olinville section of the Bronx, N.Y., carries a rich history that has evolved significantly over the decades. Originally established as Evander Childs High School in 1930, the institution has undergone transformations reflecting broader trends in education and urban development. This article explores the journey of Evander Childs, from its ambitious beginnings to its current configuration as an educational complex housing multiple small schools.
The Early Years: A Beacon of Education
Evander Childs High School opened its doors on September 8, 1930 and was part of an ambitious building program by the New York City Board of Education in the late 1920s, which included twenty-one schools, five of which were high schools. Named for the 19th-century educator Evander Childs, who served as principal of Grammar School 61, later P.S. 16, the high school was the largest to open in 1930, accommodating 4,700 students. The Italian Renaissance-style building occupied an entire block, bounded by Gun Hill Road, Bronxwood Avenue, Magenta Street, and Barnes Avenue.
In January 1925, even before the school's opening, the M.P. Möller Company was awarded a $48,000 contract to build four identical pipe organs for four high schools in New York City. Evander Childs High School was one of the recipients, receiving an organ (Op. 4202) that cost $11,850. This organ featured a three-manual stop-key console of mahogany on a movable platform, enriching the school's cultural environment.
Adapting to Changing Times
During the 1940s and 1950s, Evander Childs adapted to wartime educational demands, with curricula addressing war issues, peace aims, and international relations. Programs emphasized educating superior students through accelerated and specialized instruction, mirroring trends in New York City high schools.
The post-World War II era saw significant enrollment growth due to the baby boom. The Bronx benefited from post-war migration and family formation, contributing to higher attendance at comprehensive high schools like Evander Childs. Enrollment stabilized at elevated levels through the 1970s and 1980s, even as the Bronx's population began to decline.
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A Hub of Artistic Expression
The original Evander Childs High School was not only an educational institution but also a center for artistic expression. The library housed an enormous mural called The Evolution of Western Civilization. The Federal Arts Project (FAP) of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) commissioned the mural cycle in 1935, and it was completed in 1938. This true fresco, covering 1,400 square feet, was created by artist James Michael Newell, with assistance from high school students. A WPA film documented the mural's creation, highlighting the school's commitment to integrating art into its educational program.
Decline and Transformation
After many years of decline, the Board of Education decided to close Evander Childs High School. Beginning in June 2005, the school stopped accepting new ninth graders and officially closed in 2008. The decline can be attributed to several factors, including changing demographics, increased competition from specialized high schools, and a reputation for violence and disorder. In 2002, prior to its phase-out and restructuring, the original Evander Childs High School had a graduation rate of only 31%.
As part of the mayor of the city's push of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's small schools initiative, Evander was labeled an "impact" school in 2008 and slated to be phased out not long afterward.
The Birth of an Educational Campus
In place of the traditional large high school, the building was transformed into the Evander Childs Educational Complex, housing six small schools, each with a specialized focus. This restructuring was part of New York City's Small Schools of Choice (SSC) initiative, aimed at improving high school completion rates and providing students with more personalized learning environments.
The six schools within the Evander Childs Educational Campus are:
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- High School of Computers and Technology: This school prepares students for careers in computer technology, offering hands-on experience in computer programming and repair. Students follow a CTE computer certification track and participate in a SkillsUSA certification exam. The school also has an afterschool robotics club where students prepare for competitions and engage in various engineering projects. Nearly 90 percent of the students are male.
- Bronx Lab School: Known for its homey atmosphere, teachers at the Bronx Lab School go by first names. The school emphasizes experiential learning, with students participating in multi-day trips, including an annual 250-mile biking trip along the Underground Railroad in Ohio and a camping trip for incoming freshmen.
- High School for Contemporary Arts: This school provides a comprehensive arts education with facilities including a black box theater, art studio, music room, and dance studio. In addition to arts classes, the school offers a strong academic program with four years of math and science. Despite most students entering below grade level, a high percentage graduate on time. The school was the subject of a PBS documentary in 2007.
- Bronx Academy of Health Careers: This school offers students a four-year math and science curriculum, along with opportunities to explore careers in healthcare. Students can learn first aid and CPR, volunteer at healthcare institutions, and meet with healthcare professionals.
- Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts: This school focuses on developing students' writing skills in various genres, including poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, and song writing. It prides itself on fostering a community of writers.
- Bronx Aerospace High School: While it has faced challenges, including high teacher turnover and the loss of its Air Force partnership and JROTC status, Bronx Aerospace Academy offers experiences in Aviation Ground School, Flight Training, and Basic Air Traffic Control Training.
Challenges and Improvements
The transformation into an educational campus was not without its challenges. Critics pointed to poor planning and a rapid rollout, which exacerbated overcrowding and safety risks. Violent incidents, including stabbings and assaults, have been recurrent, contributing to safety concerns.
Equity concerns also arose, as the small schools of choice tended to attract higher-achieving applicants, leaving the remaining programs with a disproportionate share of English language learners and special education students.
Despite these challenges, the small schools have shown improved graduation rates compared to the original Evander Childs High School. Four-year cohort graduation rates range from approximately 65% to 88%. Evaluations indicate that SSC alumni from campuses like Evander Childs achieve higher college enrollment and persistence rates than peers from larger high schools.
Notable Alumni
Evander Childs High School has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. One prominent example is Carl Reiner, class of 1938, who became a pivotal figure in American comedy and television. He created, wrote, and produced The Dick Van Dyke Show, which earned multiple Emmy Awards and influenced modern sitcom formats. Reiner also directed films like Oh, God!
Other notable alumni include:
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- Evan Hunter (1926-2005), a pen name of Salvatore Albert Lombino, American author and screenwriter.
Preserving the Legacy
Despite the changes, efforts have been made to preserve the legacy of Evander Childs High School. The building is a 93-year-old NYS Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) building. An exterior modernization project, completed in September 2009, involved replacing over 1 million bricks, 12,000 pieces of terra cotta, and limestone pilasters, as well as foundation waterproofing and the installation of roofing systems.
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