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File:Vare-Washington Elementary School Philadelphia (DSC 2022).jpg
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==Additional Information==
From National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, July 1986<ref name="arch" />
'''Physical Description'''
The George Washington School, rising three stories, and spanning almost the length of the block is constructed of brick and limestone. Designed in the Art Deco/Moderne style, the building is dominated by its vertical lines. Ribbon bands of windows punctuated by thin and thick brick piers further emphasize this verticality. The main entrance, an attenuated column, projects from the building roofline in skyscraper fashion. The building fenestration pattern is regular with triplet sash separating a single sash with a thin brick pier. All of the sash is double hung six over six. Limestone sills give some horizontal emphasis to the regular pattern of the windows. A thick limestone lintel above the third floor sash is a bold contrast to the attenuated detailing above. The large brick piers, rising above the parapet line, in battlement style, have limestone caps. The main entrance tower has an ornately carved, limestone entrance surround. The overscale detail, with the characteristic rounded corners is created by two figures, wearing robes and carrying lanterns, lighting the way to the main door. These figures constitute the columns which support a smooth dressed entablature with a carved name plate and fascia detailing. Rising from the entablature is a band of windows two stories in height. The sash is figured with a double hung center opening and two small, double hung side sash. A decorative limestone panel continues to the roofline. Adjacent to the main entrance is the auditorium area which continues the building's appearance with the exception of the window pattern.
'''Statement of Significance'''
The construction of the George Washington School marked the close of a brilliant career for Irwin T. Catharine as Superintendent of Buildings for the School Board. During his tenure the level of design for school buildings was unsurpassed by any other Superintendent including the prolific combination of J. Horace Cook and Henry deCoursey Richards. This skillfully crafted building represents the subtle shift in design from the boxy, heavy detailed Art Deco style to the more streamlined Moderne style of architecture. Moreover, the building's entrance is superbly and cleverly detailed with figures in historical dress lighting the path to knowledge and enlightenment. With the retirement of Catharine, the office of the Superintendent fell into dormancy and the construction of new school buildings dropped sharply. The construction of the George Washington School represented a high watermark in the first 70 plus years of the school board. This period of excellent and often unusual design, for institutional structures, would not be repeated by the School Board. The late Fifty's and Sixty's, when school construction once again occurred, are particularly unremarkable period for school design as boxy, undecorated structures came into vogue.
The George Washington School is similar in appearance to the Robert Fulton and George Meade Schools. Much like the other two schools, the Washington School is a highly sophisticated design. Its detailing and streamlined appearance make it a superb example of Art Deco/Moderne styling.
==References==
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