Two minutes at: Allen Elementary

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of two-minute videos offering a quick glimpse into one of AAPS’ 32 schools. At AAPS, our vision is Every Child. Every Day. Every one fully sees, values, and celebrates each child for exactly who they are, the gifts and strengths they bring to this world.

Video by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor

The Allen Elementary community is nothing if not resilient. On August 18, 2016, a burst pipe caused extensive flooding of the school. This forced the entire Allen school community to move from the building at 2560 Towner Boulevard into the vacant West Middle School in Ypsilanti 4.5 miles away.

Meanwhile, the building was repaired and renovated, with the addition of new flooring, paint, furniture, lighting, and ceiling before it was reopened for students in April of 2017.

Built in 1961, Allen Elementary was named after John Allen, one of the founders of Ann Arbor. The school is adjacent to Burh Park on property that was once part of the Ticknor farm.

Window light pours through the sprawling building, which expanded from 10 to 18 classrooms in 1963 when a new wing was built. In 1991, four more classrooms, a great room and a new art room, and an elevator were added to the building. In 2005, a preschool wing was added to the building.

The school is now home to 377 students in preschool through fifth grades.