[3][4] Historically, it reflects a time before the rise of multiculturalism where immigrants who arrived in the United States were more actively Americanized in assimilation programs.

[1] The school was one of the last works by Gill, a pioneer of modern architecture and one of nearby San Diego's most celebrated architects.

The Americanization school displays hints of Art Deco while also taking in North African–Islamic influences that he picked up from his brief partnership with Frank Mead, another San Diego architect.

With a prominent corner, Gill placed an arched entryway with a minimalist Islamic-style dome atop a short, octagonal tower.

For class space, Gill planned two wings to run back from the corner, along the length of the lot in a V-shape; however, only one was ever built.