The chemistry lab at Rudyard Area Schools.

The chemistry lab at Rudyard Area Schools.

The gymnasium at Nelson Elementary, a PreK-5 school in Muskegon that was erected in 1929 and currently houses around 330 students.

The gymnasium at Nelson Elementary, a PreK-5 school in Muskegon that was erected in 1929 and currently houses around 330 students.

One of many outdated auditoriums in buildings throughout the Hamtramck public-school district.

One of many outdated auditoriums in buildings throughout the Hamtramck public-school district.

One of many outdated auditoriums in buildings throughout the Hamtramck public-school district.

Side-by-side photos offer stark contrasts between the auditoriums at Hamtramck (left) and Birmingham Groves high schools.

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Photography by Kate Levy