Central Arlington in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
John A. Kooken Elementary School
In 1938, school officials sought Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding in building a new school, which opened in 1939. The old building was torn down and material salvaged for other structures. Housing grades one through eight, the school was renamed in honor of educator John A. Kooken (December 17, 1863 - May 14, 1943), who came to Arlington from Ferris (Ellis Co.) in 1908 and became the high school principal. He was elected superintendent of public schools in 1913 and served in that capacity until 1937. Kooken was known for his understanding and patience with students. In 1941, he published a memoir about his years as an educator.
In the early 1950s, additional wings were added to the facility. In 1976, the school closed and was used as a diagnostic and materials center before reopening in 1988 as the only preschool campus in the district. Known today as Kooken Education Center, the facility has been honored for work in integrating preschoolers with disabilities with the general student population. Today, over 100 years after North Side School was established, the institution's legacy lies in the generations of students who learned at the school and in being renamed after one of the most important educators in Arlington's history.
Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16423.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 32° 44.555′ N, 97° 6.404′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is in Central Arlington. Marker is at the intersection of North Center Street and East Sanford Street, on the left when traveling south on North Center Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 423 N Center Street, Arlington TX 76011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Houston Hitching Block (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First United Methodist Church of Arlington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Douglass-Potts House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carver Dixon King (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mount Olive Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Hutcheson-Smith Home (approx. ¼ mile away); Bankhead Highway Through Arlington (approx. ¼ mile away); Emmanuel Church of God in Christ (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 2, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.