Retreat Rosenwald School
The Retreat Rosenwald School, also known as the Retreat Colored School, is a historic educational institution located at 150 Pleasant Hill Circle in Westminster, South Carolina. Built in 1924, it was one of ten Rosenwald Schools established in Oconee County to provide education for African American students during the era of segregation.
The school is a one-story, T-shaped building designed to accommodate two teachers. It comprises two classrooms and an industrial room situated in the forward-projecting wing. Notably, the building’s orientation deviates from the standard north-south alignment typical of Rosenwald Schools; instead, it is aligned parallel to the road. This orientation was intentional, allowing for increased sunlight during winter months and reduced heat during the summer, enhancing the learning environment.
The construction of the Retreat Rosenwald School cost $2,300, with $700 contributed by the Julius Rosenwald Fund. The remaining funds were raised by the local community, exemplifying the collaborative spirit that characterized the Rosenwald School initiative.
The school operated until 1950, closing due to a significant decline in student enrollment.