Lincoln School of Teachers College

1917 - c. 1941

The defunct Lincoln School of Teachers College was a private, coeducational grade school established in 1917. It was located in the West Harlem neighborhood, perhaps Morningside Heights, since it predated the creation of Manhattanville neighborhood when the city's street grid changed in that area during the early and mid-1900s. Although founded by John D. Rockefeller, via his philanthropic General Education Board funding, it was owned and operated by Teachers College, Columbia University, which provided the administration, staff, and curriculum. Emerging during World War I and later flourishing during the children-centered Progressive Era, this so-called “experimental” school served as a testing site for the curriculum and public education policies. It initially served a small enrollment of approximately 116 students during its inaugural year but eventually enrolled approximately 500 students during the height of its existence, serving grades 1-12. Housed in a massive building located at 425 W. 123rd Street, the featured undated photo depicted an impressive structure rising to the north of Morningside Park. The Lincoln School remained at that location until it closed, amid parent resistance, and merged with the Horace Mann School in 1941, which Teachers College also owned and operated. Today, the original building currently stands at the same street address, although it is now home to P.S. 125.

South facade of the Lincoln School of Teachers College from Morningside Park
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Details

Category
School
Instructional Level
Elementary/Grammar School, High School, Middle/Junior High School
Audience
Children, Teenagers
Founder(s)
John D. Rockefeller/General Education Board
Corporate Body
Teachers College, Columbia University
Tags
coeducational, privateeducation, Manhattanville, philanthropy, Rockefeller

Location

  • 425 W 123rd St, New York, NY 10027, USA
    ? - ?

Archival Collections

References

  1. Pincus, Lionel and Princess Firyal. "Plate 139." Map Division, New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 1, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5aa0e6d0-45c0-0132-fd9a-58d385a7b928.
  2. Teachers College. "Lincoln School of Teachers College. From The South As Seen From West 122nd Street. (Date Not Known)." Teachers College Digital Collections, Historical Photographs of Teachers College. Accessed May 1, 2023. https://teacherscollege.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01TCCU_INST/939ve0/alma991006613393806971.
  3. Teachers College, The Lincoln School: A Descriptive Booklet (New York: The Lincoln School of Teachers College, 1925), 8, HathiTrust, Accessed April 1, 2023, https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015006958717?urlappend=%3Bseq=11%3Bownerid=13510798885044330-15.