Which school can be – Denver North Star

Have you ever entered a historic building and felt changed? Have you noticed the architecture of your high school? Did it influence you? Perhaps some of us will become more aware of these details and how they may or may not have shaped us over time.

I recently had the pleasure of touring North High School, the “home school” of North Denver High School, as part of a carefully curated tour.

The architecture of American schools has changed over the decades. It appears that mid-century architecture was influenced by practicality and the affordability of building materials, resulting in some schools appearing somewhat dull compared to those built in earlier decades.

But North’s Beaux-Arts design, built in the early 20th century, seems to breathe educationally inspired stories through its octagonal, black-and-white tiled floors and murals in its original lobby. I was really impressed by the grandeur of the building and wondered if it made the students feel special. Did it spark a desire to gain knowledge and do great things?

As my footsteps echoed through the halls, I approached the decorative wrought iron railing of the staircase and took a moment to admire a sweeping view of downtown Denver through the large windows. I wish I could have lived in such a beautiful building when I was in high school. The schools I attended as a child, and even many where I worked as a teacher, were more like prisons than learning halls.

Architecture can influence our mood, our general well-being and the course of our lives.

In 2023, Psychology Today highlighted the relationship between humans and the environment. “In some places we feel smarter or healthier, in others we feel unhappy,” said Danish Kurani, founder of an architecture firm that designs educational spaces. “But every place has an influence on us. Because architecture is the container of our lives. The form we give to architecture is the form we give to our lives.”

My first teaching job at 1301 Quebec St. was in an old red brick building that housed one of Denver’s first kindergartens and became the long-time home of Stanley British Primary School. About the time I first entered this school, I wrote in my memoirs: “The aesthetics of this historic building seemed to complement the children’s activities. “Groups of students built magnificent log buildings in a spacious hallway next to a grand staircase that reached high ceilings.” I remembered spacious classrooms and windows that reached high ceilings, contributing to a happy and productive atmosphere for the children.

The physical environment is important. A great school also represents a philosophy of support, community, and even a sense of tradition.

My time as a student at Manning Junior High in Golden was spent in windowless, locker-lined, dimly lit hallways in a cinder block building. Students and teachers were a lively bunch, neutralizing the effects of those dark hallways.

A positive physical feature of the school was a cuboid in the center of the building that served as a plaza and allowed natural light into the cafeteria. But only the oldest students, ninth graders, were allowed to stay in the courtyard.

North High School demonstrates its heritage through display cases filled with pictures, trophies and even a collection of historic scientific equipment. I learned that the school once had a telescope that a science teacher had purchased through a NASA program.

My tour guide that day, a proud 1966 graduate, knew a lot about the school’s history. North is proud of its students, whose achievements range from scientific breakthroughs to military service. Some come back to teach at their alma mater. As for the administration, I don’t think I’ve ever met such a dedicated crew.

I learned that student achievement is measured not only by academic achievements, but also by positive social interactions, which are important in our current social media-heavy environment.

We can all strive to find and create more positive physical environments for children. It’s the details that matter, such as lighting, furnishings or wall color. Like a home, a school can reflect our beliefs and goals and, yes, our cherished history. Waving pieces of the past, however long ago, inspires a sense of pride and belonging.

As you search for schools for your child, keep these ideals in mind or, if appropriate, help create a positive learning environment at your child’s school. Get inspired the next time you drive by North High School.

Jill Carstens taught for 30 years and now enjoys writing about that time here and in her recently published memoir, Getting Over Vivian. Find out more at www.jillcarstenswriter.com.

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