The architect was Joseph Linden Heacock, and the builder was John McShain who went on to build the Kennedy Center, The Jefferson Memorial and The Pentagon.

Today, it is one of the oldest public school buildings in Pennsylvania.

Built in the Italian Renaissance style, the motto carved above the door reads "To Teach the Art of Living Well", attributed to Seneca.

Carved in limestone above the motto are a female figure holding a Greek Temple, and a male figure holding a cog.

Their basketball team has recently won the PIAA Quad 4 State Championship against York High.