William Syphax School - View this location on map This historically black elementary school commemorates William Syphax (1825-1891), the first president of the Board of Trustees of Colored Schools of Washington and Georgetown (established 1868). Syphax was a proponent of a unified public school system, and a vigorous advocate for equal educational standards; he oversaw construction of both Sumner and Stevens Schools. The original Colonial Revival structure, built in 1901 (Marsh & Peter, architects), is a fine example of the public schools that the D.C. Office of the Building Inspector commissioned from local architects. The large 1941 addition (also in Colonial Revival style) by Municipal Architect Nathan C. Wyeth follows the  extensible prototype created by his predecessor Albert L. Harris; this was further expanded in 1953. The building illustrates both the progressive civic design ideals of the turn of the century, and the modernization and expansion of the public schools during wartime mobilization. Like similar neighborhood schools throughout the city, it establishes a municipal presence in the local community. The original 2-1/2-story building is hip-roofed, with red brick facades, arched windows and white terra cotta trim; the 2-story additions are flat-roofed, with red brick facades, banks of multi-pane windows, and limestone trim. 1360 Half Street, SW, Washington , DC Historical

---