A New Era of Learning
To better serve the community, the School District of Philadelphia sought to replace the aging building with a cutting-edge facility designed for academic excellence, sustainability, and neighborhood engagement.
Lewis C. Cassidy Academic Plus School
Philadelphia, PA
The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) is dedicated to delivering equitable, high-quality education in modern, supportive learning environments. Serving over 200,000 students citywide, the district continuously upgrades its facilities to meet the evolving needs of students, teachers, and families.
However, the original Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary School, a century-old structure in West Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood presented significant challenges. Outdated classrooms, limited technological infrastructure, and inadequate building systems hindered the school’s ability to deliver a next-generation learning experience. To better serve the community, SDP sought to replace the aging building with a cutting-edge facility designed for academic excellence, sustainability, and neighborhood engagement.
EwingCole partnered with SDP to design the new Lewis C. Cassidy Academic Plus School, an 83,000-square-foot K-8 facility accommodating 570 students. The new school embodies flexible learning, environmental responsibility, and inclusivity, setting a new benchmark for educational spaces in Philadelphia.
A Design Rooted in Learning & Community
- Two offset building volumes house academic and assembly spaces, linked by a dynamic central student commons – the “Canyon.”
- Natural daylight, biophilic design, and intuitive color-coded wayfinding create a welcoming, inspiring environment.
- Technology-enhanced classrooms, a maker space, a media center, and a visual arts studio support diverse learning styles and interdisciplinary teaching.
- A vibrant façade of brick and metal panels balances modern aesthetics with respect for the residential surroundings.
A Commitment to Sustainability & Outdoor Engagement
- On track for LEED Gold Certification, integrating bioswales, rain gardens, and a green roof for stormwater management.
- Outdoor plan and learning areas, including Robinia wood equipment, grassy hills, and a basketball court, promote active engagement for students and the community.
By seamlessly blending innovative learning spaces, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood connection, the new Lewis C. Cassidy Academic Plus School serves as a beacon for educational excellence in Philadelphia. It offers students a safe, inclusive, and future-ready environment, empowering them to thrive academically and personally while reinforcing SDP’s role as a leader in next-generation school design.
Meet the Design Team
