The 1909 Nathan Clifford School, which served as an anchor of the Oakdale neighborhood in Portland, Maine for over one hundred years, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its role at the forefront of Portland?s educational initiatives. Retaining a high level of architectural significance, the Nathan Clifford School was built to alleviate overcrowding in nearby institutions. Hailed as a model for other school districts when the building opened in 1909, the school features sixteen classrooms, a teacher?s room (with a fireplace), principal?s room (also with fireplace) and adjoining reception area, washrooms and a gym in the basement, and an auditorium on the third floor. In addition, the Nathan Clifford School offered a number of important contributions to the educational and social history of the neighborhood and greater region. A sight-saving class for visually impaired students was offered between1932 and 1964, when it was closed due to declining enrollment. This was the only program of its kind in the state, and provided students with poor eyesight the opportunity to learn in an environment where studies and equipment were designed specifically for them. The Nathan Clifford School is also important for its association with the architect, John Calvin Stevens (1855-1940). Stevens was Portland?s leading architect, and designed the building with his son and partner John Howard Stevens (1879-1958). The massing, design, and layout of this Classical Revival structure reflects conscious decisions by Stevens and his son to incorporate the latest advances in technology and educational recommendations, while utilizing space in an efficient, and thought-out manner. Although he designed many schools, the Nathan Clifford School is one of John Calvin Stevens? finest examples in the Classical Revival Style.