About This School

Biography Information


Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania on November 29, 1832, but soon moved to Boston, Massachusetts where her father, Amos Bronson Alcott, opened a private school. The Temple School was a financial disaster as was Mr. Alcott’s next endeavor, Fruitlands, a mystic farming commune that failed to produce crops. Aided by family friend Ralph Waldo Emerson, the family retreated to Concord, Massachusetts where Louisa spent happier days visiting Walden’s Pond with Henry David Thoreau and borrowing books from Mr. Emerson’s private library. As a teenager Louisa worked as a teacher, governess and seamstress to support her parents and three sisters: Anna, Elizabeth and May. In 1855 she published her first book, Flower Fables, under the pen name Flora Fairfield. It was not until 1863 that her most famous book, Little Women, launched her career as a wealthy American novelist. Louisa May Alcott continued to support her family until her death on March 4, 1888, at age 55.

Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania on November 29, 1832, but soon moved to Boston, Massachusetts where her father, Amos Bronson Alcott, opened a private school. The Temple School was a financial disaster as was Mr. Alcott’s next endeavor, Fruitlands, a mystic farming commune that failed to produce crops.

Aided by family friend Ralph Waldo Emerson, the family retreated to Concord, Massachusetts where Louisa spent happier days visiting Walden’s Pond with Henry David Thoreau and borrowing books from Mr. Emerson’s private library.

As a teenager Louisa worked as a teacher, governess and seamstress to support her parents and three sisters: Anna, Elizabeth and May. In 1855 she published her first book, Flower Fables, under the pen name Flora Fairfield. It was not until 1863 that her most famous book, Little Women, launched her career as a wealthy American novelist.

Louisa May Alcott continued to support her family until her death on March 4, 1888, at age 55.

School History


Louisa May Alcott Elementary, known originally as Lake View School #4, was constructed in 1883 at 670 Wrightwood Avenue. On September 13, 1893, Alcott acquired it present name, and in July 1889 the school, along with the rest of the Town of Lake View, became a part of the City of Chicago. The original Alcott building endured for over five decades before being razed in 1937. That same year a new building was erected, opening December 13, 1937, at 2625 North Orchard Street, about half-a-block from the site of the original building. Alcott Elementary continues to serve students at this same location today.

Louisa May Alcott Elementary, known originally as Lake View School #4, was constructed in 1883 at 670 Wrightwood Avenue. On September 13, 1893, Alcott acquired it present name, and in July 1889 the school, along with the rest of the Town of Lake View, became a part of the City of Chicago. The original Alcott building endured for over five decades before being razed in 1937.

That same year a new building was erected, opening December 13, 1937, at 2625 North Orchard Street, about half-a-block from the site of the original building. Alcott Elementary continues to serve students at this same location today.

Alcott, Louisa May Alcott Elementary School
(1893–present)

www.alcottschool.net
2625 North Orchard Street
Chicago, IL 60614 US
Community: Lincoln Park
Renamed from Lake View School #4

Status: Open Today

CPSalumni.org

Alcott, Louisa May Alcott Elementary School