gymnasiums, and swimming pool. The wings have an axial arrangement, meeting in the center at the entrance hall and extending northward towards the rear of the school. The central wing extends farther than the east and west wings; this projection houses the gyms and pool. The design was intended to maximize the circulation of light and air into the building. This layout would be utilized in future high schools in the city, beginning with Samuel J. Tilden High School and Abraham Lincoln High School both in Brooklyn. The outer facade consists primarily of red brick, trimmed by stone and terracotta. The first story facade is entirely limestone. The entrance pavilion is characterized by granite Ionic columns, atop which sits a triangular pediment with a clock in the center. Between the pediment and columns is a terracotta cornice inscribed with the name "Jamaica High School". Above the roof of the entrance is a cupola which may have originally functioned as a bell tower. The roof of the school is copper, but has developed a green patina due to oxidation. Inside the building is a mural of the history of Long Island, installed in 1930. The northern half of the property is occupied by the large athletic complex. Its main feature is a multi-purpose field for football, baseball, softball and other sports, circumscribed by a running track. At the southeast corner of the complex are tennis courts. The field is artificial turf, with dirt cutouts and mounds for baseball and softball. It also contains a brick field house. The entire field was renovated under the "Take the Field" initiative in the early 2000s. A concrete grandstand for spectators was originally planned but never constructed. It is now an open sloped grass lawn between the field and school. There are three primary entrances to the building: the main entrance hall, with three doors below the ionic columns, and doors to the east and west wings. A wide pathway runs east-to-west connecting with the entrances, and leading to gates in the fence at 168th Street and Chapin Parkway. The central pathway from the school to Gothic Drive splits in two separate stairways before intersecting with the street, forming a crescent shape. The pathways were installed shortly after the school opened. In front of the school where the stairway splits is a memorial to the Jamaica High School alumni who fought in World War II.