
01 Oct New Lewis C. Cassidy Academic Plus School to Reshape Education in Philadelphia’s Overbrook Neighborhood

New Lewis C. Cassidy Academic Plus School to Reshape Education in Philadelphia’s Overbrook Neighborhood
EwingCole and the School District of Philadelphia recently debuted the new Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus School, a state-of-the-art K-8 educational facility located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood.
Philadelphia, PA – Designed with the future of education in mind, the new Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus Elementary School is more than just a place of learning—it’s a beacon of educational excellence, sustainability, and community integration. School district officials, dignitaries from local and state governments, and community members recently gathered to cut the ribbon on this transformative new school.
“It’s an honor to be part of such a momentous occasion,” said EwingCole Executive Vice President Keith Fallon, RA. “From the beginning, our goal has been to design a school that values students, supports next-generation learning, and communicates the critical role of education in the life of the neighborhood and the life of the city. I think our team achieved that. We’re thrilled with the outcome and the community’s overwhelming response.”
Cassidy is now the “school of choice” for students, families, and teachers, embodying the latest in 21st-century educational design and the School District of Philadelphia’s 2020 Educational Facility Guidelines.
“We need more Cassidys,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Vincent Hughes to a packed auditorium at the August ribbon cutting.

The new facility replaces an early 20th-century school with outdated classrooms, limited technology, and inadequate building systems to support modern learning needs. The project design team was selected in June 2020 during the early months of the pandemic. School district administrators, teachers, community members, and the design team did not meet in person for two years during the initial design phase.
Key Features of the New Cassidy Elementary School Include:
- Innovative Design: The building features a dynamic, central student common known as the “Canyon,” connecting primary academic and assembly spaces. With biophilic design elements and vibrant metal panel treatments, the design promotes both sustainability and an engaging learning environment.
- Enhanced Learning Environments: Classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and designed to accommodate diverse learning styles. The interiors are filled with natural light and incorporate flexible spaces, vibrant colors, and materials that promote student well-being.
- Community Integration: The school’s design reflects and complements the surrounding neighborhood while serving as a hub for community engagement. Ground-floor assembly spaces are accessible for local events, creating a strong connection between the school and its community.
- Sustainability: Targeted for LEED Gold certification, the school incorporates high-performance materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable landscaping features like bioswales and rain gardens, fostering both environmental stewardship and student health.

The new Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary School represents a significant investment in the future of Philadelphia’s students. This state-of-the-art facility sets a standard for educational excellence in the city by prioritizing innovative design, sustainability, and community connection.

What is 21st Century Learning?
21st Century Learning refers to the skills, knowledge, and teaching approaches that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing, interconnected, and technology-driven world. It emphasizes a holistic approach to education that extends beyond traditional academic subjects, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

