Our son’s school, Town and Country Schools, has a contract to purchase Fulton Teaching and Learning Academy from Tulsa Public Schools. The deal hasn’t closed yet but TPS was gracious enough to let the parents and staff tour the Fulton facility last Saturday.
Town and Country has been growing and needs more room. TPS is in the middle of an active downsizing program so the sale could be a win-win for both parties.
The parents and staff of Town and Country are very excited. TPS has maintained and upgraded the over sixty year facility very well. The classrooms are large, the library, cafeteria, and auditorium are wonderful.
The facility, built in 1960 consists of several circular buildings connected by hallways. My high school had a similar configuration. By the time I figured out where everything was it was time to graduate.
There is no gymnasium so there are plans to build a new one on the property. The furnishings and equipment on site are not included in the sale. TPS is inventorying and will take what it can use elsewhere. Town and Country may be able to purchase what it wants of the rest.
The property is not a school now. TPS has used it for a learning and conference center for several years. Ironically the Head of School attended Fulton Elementary as a child. I won’t tell you when that was. At least one parent that I know of also attended the school.
A mid-century modern fireplace?
Town and Country is looking forward to the move over the summer. Once the transaction closes the parents and staff will have the opportunity to paint, move, haul, landscape and other things.
I understand the the staff of the Fulton facility are not too happy about the move. I don’t blame them, they have a very nice building that serves them well they have kept very good care of it. I doubt that you will find too many school buildings that are still useful and in service sixty years after they are built.
Sounds like a great move. The building does appear to be well-cared for.
I think it’s your goal to make me feel stupid. I’ve never heard of 2 out of the 3 schools mentioned here. (In case you’re confused, I’ve only heard of TPS).
BUT, I didn’t attend school in Tulsa. I was a Dub town graduate. I know ALL the schools there.
OH…and the preschool I attended was old when I attended. This year is the last year they are using it. I’m pretty sure it was built in the 1800’s.
there’s an outlet under that ‘thing’ I wonder if its not meant as a resting place for something needing to be plugged in .. I am such a sleuth!
It looks like a nice facility but I’d like to see a gym added.
Sure did recognize that 60s architecture.
Looks like a good facility and sounds like a great move.
Alexander
Alex’s World! – http://www.kakinan.com/alex
Yes, it does sound like it will be a great move, particularly if they do add the gym! Great shots and I’m sure SPB will enjoy going there! Great photos as always!
Sylvia
Hopefully it won’t take too long before the teachers at the Fulton facility will get used to the new place and I’m sure that SPB will have happy memories of his time there. It looks wonderful!
How is it a building from 1960 can still look fresh and cutting edge in a rounded-corner way?
I grew up wading through experimental architecture, too. I was lucky to not have to go to the junior high with no walls. Those kids came out weird. Even if they went in just fine. But this complex looks like a fun, bright adventure.
Since I graduated in 1962, I’m about the same era as this school, and I can tell you, it’s better kept than I am!
I’m glad that SPB’s school will have bigger “digs”, and I’m glad that there is such a school to meet the needs of these students.
Unfortunately for Michael, LAUSD has been closing its special schools and the private schools are not interested in serving such challenged students. I fear he and others like him will be put in a corner and forgotten.
WOW! That’s a gorgeous facility! Can I go to school there?
My eldest daughter is a teacher in a special needs school with blindness being the primary problem but many other mental/physical issues as well. Henshaw College, Harrogate is a beautiful place but is always desperate for cash flow. It seems so wrong for kids, who already have major problems, not to be able to do a simple thing like attending a half decent school. I notice it’s parents and staff who are expected to do the majority of the work in SPB’s new school. My question is: why? I do hope I’ve not been too controversial in my comment.