School type Public Grades K-9 Mascot Phoenix School board Edmonton Public Schools Ceased operations June 19, 2010 | Closed 2010 District Edmonton Public Schools Province Alberta Founded 1912 | |
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Address 11648 85 ST, Edmonton, AB T5B 3E5, Canada Similar John A McDougall School, St Alphonsus Catholic, Hardisty K‑9 School, Eastglen High School, St Gerard Catholic School | ||
Parkdale School was a city centre K-9 public school located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Built in 1912, it is one of Edmonton's oldest schools. Parkdale was one of seven schools belonging to the Edmonton Public Schools City Centre Education Project.
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During its final years of operation, Parkdale was one of five Edmonton Public Schools that operated on a modified school calendar. Students attended classes the same number of days as other schools, but breaks were spread differently throughout the year. Instead of the customary two month summer holiday that is enjoyed by other Edmonton students, Parkdale’s summer holiday was condensed to five weeks in July. The intent of the modified school year was to keep students engaged and able to retain knowledge easier after breaks.
Roughly 60% of Parkdale students were of aboriginal heritage, and the school's programs and methods often reflected this. Aboriginal awareness and culture were integrated into classroom learning. Optional Cree language and Cree culture courses were offered to its grade 7-9 students.
Architecture
Parkdale was built in 1912 for $1,000,000. Its Collegiate Gothic style is considered an uninspired version of the Gothic Revival design and was common for educational buildings built in Canada from 1900 to 1925. The three-storey building constructed of brick and Bedford trim features a crenulated roof line, Tudor arches, buttressing, a crest inscribed with the construction date, and traditional separate entrances for boys and men.
In 1919, to ease overcrowding at other area schools, four classrooms were added to the third floor. In 1957 a $805,000 gymnasium was built on the east side of the building. The fourth floor gymnasium was converted into classrooms and a library.
1912 fire
Parkdale School was scheduled to open on April 13, 1913, but was delayed a month due to a fire which cost more than $20,000. The mythological Phoenix was chosen as the school mascot because it symbolizes their principle, rising from the ashes, and Parkdale School rose from ashes too.
Closing
Parkdale School was closed on June 19, 2010. The subject received much controversy from concerned parents and people that live close by. The School is now currently leased to Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and is being used as their main office.