HISTORY OF OSCAR PATTERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  Oscar Patterson Elementary School – “the school with a heart” – owes a tribute to its founder – “a man with a heart”, the late Mr. Oscar Patterson. Because he was interested in the educational welfare of boys and girls in his community, he began selling peanuts and chocolate candy to raise money to build a school. It was through Mr. Patterson’s efforts and influence that the school had its beginning in the early twenties in the old Knights of Pythians building. Later it was moved to the Masonic Hall on Seventh Street. During the fifties, the school enrollment increased with the growth of the community and temporary barracks housed first through sixth grades. It was in 1958 that the enrollment increased so greatly that there was a need for a more permanent structure. It was during that period that the present school was build at 1025 Redwood Avenue where we are still located.

In August of 1970, the organizational pattern of the school changed from that of a K-6 school to a sixth grade center with students coming from feeder schools in the Millville, Springfield, Parker, Callaway, and Cedar Grove. Hiland Park became the sixth feeder school in 1975.

Through much planning, an organizational model guided the direction of the school for some time. The curriculum areas at that time included the basic disciplines and a common core of enrichment activities. The model, however, has changed several times over the years to meet the needs of a changing society.

In June 1988, the sixth grade center was closed with the students assigned to other middle schools. In August 1988 the school was reopened as a neighborhood K-5 elementary school. Plans included repairs and renovation of the facility in 1988, after which the Patterson facility would be more fully utilized for K-5 students.

A one-teacher school with a traditional curriculum and thirty-five (35) students was changed to a sixth grade center and, finally, a Pre-K thru 5 facility. Patterson Elementary School is presently serving students who are assigned to pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Mentally handicapped and Specific Learning Disability students are also served at the school.

Over the years, all school programs have been fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Today, Oscar Patterson Elementary School has a very different look. Our new state-of-the-art facility (Homer S. Jackson Learning Center) was obtained with the aid of the half-cent sales tax. The Learning Center houses six new classrooms, an Art and Music Lab, and an amphitheater.