Architectural Design of Schools

The architectural features of the Rosenwald Schools greatly improved the quality of schools for African Americans in the South.  By 1932, the Rosenwald Fund had produced 4,977 new schools, 217 teacher homes, 163 shop buildings at a total cost of $28,408, 520.  Today, that would be approximately $280,500,000.  In Virginia, 371 schools were constructed.  All counties in Virginia, (except the 4 counties in the Appalachian region),  had at least one Rosenwald School.

Many Rosenwald Schools remained open until Brown v. Board of Education (1954) banned racially segregated public schools.  Prior to them closing, Rosenwald Schools served generations of teachers, students, parents, and  the communities in general.

The schools provided adequate lighting, ventilation, separate outhouses, coatroom, and quality blackboards and desks.  There were separate designs for schools that faced east or west, and those that faced north or south.  The plans also specified that the windows be placed so that the light came only from the students’ left.