Brentwood Elementary # 15 -Performing Arts Academy 

3750 Springfield Blvd 32206

1915 on 3.6 acres

Brentwood, 1941, Florida Memory

The 1901 fire of Jacksonville brought about tremendous change in this North East Florida city.  After the devastating loss of at least 2,368 buildings,  the city grew outward with new hope.  Brentwood, Florida was soon to be a hustling, bustling growing area while pockets of the area would remain rural for many years.   

The area was named Brentwood and Public School # 15 was built to meet the needs of that new community.  At this time, the community was a White area as reported by The Jaxonmag.   Today, the area is predominately Black.

Neighborhood homes across the street from the school 2023(Ramey Collection).

Brentwood school is located across from the Brentwood Park and would have the latest fashionable street cars in north Jacksonville. Brentwood School, also called the Performing Arts Academy closed in 2021.  It had served over 330 students, grades K-5.  The students were sent to North Shore Elementary School. 

When built, the school was located on 3.6 acres of land.  The auditorium was built on the 2nd floor with no cafeteria or library.  In 1944, additions and renovations were made with cafeteria being added  added in 1952 and in 1976 a classroom was used to create a faculty lounge and workroom.The auditorium was remodelled into a library.   In 1969, overcrowding from the nearby Kirby-Smith and Brentwood served as School #25A annex. 

Brentwood wins Paint and Clean Up award from Jax Jr. Jaycees- c1952-Probably FTU article.

To comply with desegregation court order in 1970 Brentwood became a sixth grade center and two more kindergarten classes added as it returned to Brentwood Elementary School # 15.  In 992, Brentwood became a magnet school to continue efforts to desegregate school with a focus on visual and performing arts. Portable classrooms and an art lab were added to relieve overcrowding. 

Principals of Brentwood have been Mrs. Iva T. Sprinkle, who later became Superintendent of Schools.  Mrs. Jacqueline Jones(2021) and more.  We continue to update our information as it comes available.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

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Sources:  Jacksonville Junior Jaycees, Florida Times Union, Jaxsonmag, Duval Public Schools, personal visit to the school.