Gaslight & Gingerbread A photographic recollection of old Sea Cliff by Charles E. Ransom

business buildings, churches,fire department, hotels,introduction, private residences, recreation,scenic, schools, sports,shore,transportation

Schools

The first Sea Cliff Public School was erected in 1884 on the south side of Franklin Avenue. The building was enlarged in 1903 and replaced by the present edifice which was completed in 1912.


Kindergarten class conducted by Miss Emma Martin in the Methodist Sunday School Building, about 1899.


Enlarging the Sea Cliff Public School in 1902.


Sea Cliff Public School erected in 1912. The gymnasium and auditorium were added in 1926-27.

 In April 1884, an Act of the New York State Legislature created the Sea Cliff Union Free School District. Prior to that time a few pupils from Sea Cliff attended the Glen Cove School.

When the district was established, some fifty pupils attended school in the Chapel on Fourteenth Avenue. In 1884 a brick schoolhouse was built on Franklin Avenue west of Carpenter Avenue. By the turn of the century it proved to be too small, and night sessions were necessary to accommodate the increased enrollment. Until after 1900 numerous individuals conducted kindergarten classes in various Village locations.

The school building was enlarged during 1902-1903, and fire escapes were added. While the alterations were being made sessions were held in the Lyceum, Central Hall, Wesley Hall, and the dining room of the Sea Cliff Hotel.

The old school was replaced in 1911-1912 by the present school building. In 1926-1927 the auditorium, gymnasium, and several more classrooms were added.

Today the Sea Cliff School functions solely as an elementary school, and is part of the Central School District which embraces Glen Head and Glenwood Landing as well as Sea Cliff.