It came under criticism for its construction as its elaborate design and front pillars were more than required for the new school system.

This building would be closed in 1883 due to a lack of enrollment, and the number 8 was transferred to a new school built in the growing East Side.

An addition was built to the school in 1961, and had a name change in 1976 as part of the desegregation plan.

[1] The building was closed in 2004 due to budget cuts,[2] but served as a swing school for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Institute, City Honors High School, and School 81 while their home buildings were being reconstructed.

The building may be used to house Middle Early College High School and Buffalo's Adult Learning Program beginning with the 2013–2014 school year[3] Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses