WCU’s Sesquicentennial Heritage: When Ruby Jones Hall Was an Elementary School
Ruby Johnson Jones – for whom Ruby Jones Hall is named – has a special place in West
Chester University’s history as the first African-American faculty member, becoming
an assistant professor of education and supervisor of student teachers in 1968.
The building named in her honor and memory, however, began service to this institution for a very different purpose than it serves today.
Ruby Jones Hall was originally known as the Model School for West Chester Normal School and later as the Demonstration School for West Chester State College. Opened in 1899, this elementary school provided opportunities for West Chester’s early teachers-to-be to observe classrooms and to practice teach. The school served kindergarten to sixth grade and remained in service until the 1980s.
Not only did fledgling teachers spread their wings there under the tutelage of Ruby Johnson Jones and other master educators, the Demonstration School provided a high-quality education with enrichment activities that went far beyond what most elementary schools could offer at the time.
Sue Fiorentino ’86, wife of WCU President Chris Fiorentino and an associate professor of management, attended the Demonstration School with her twin sister Beth from 1970 to 1976. She said students learned civics by establishing classroom communities that enacted laws, printed money, and elected government officials. “Beth was the mayor; I was just a citizen,” she recalls fondly.
“I remember our student teachers fondly and I hope they received as much from their time at the Demonstration School as we did.”
Read more of this historical feature on the sesquicentennial anniversary website.