Focusing on the building:
* Crumbling grandeur: A majestic but aging building, its stone façade weathered and chipped, with tall, arched windows and perhaps ivy creeping up its walls. Hints of its former glory peek through the wear and tear.
* Timeworn charm: A quaint building with a rustic appeal, showing signs of age through faded paint, creaking floors, and perhaps a slightly musty smell. The architecture might be simple but elegant.
* Imposing and austere: A large, imposing structure built of brick or stone, perhaps with a stern, unadorned exterior. It projects a feeling of seriousness and tradition.
* Decaying and neglected: A dilapidated structure, paint peeling, windows broken, and overgrown with weeds. It shows clear signs of abandonment and neglect.
Focusing on the atmosphere and teaching methods:
* Disciplined and traditional: Strict rules, rote learning, emphasis on memorization and obedience. Think wooden desks, strict teachers, and a focus on the basics.
* Nostalgic and quaint: Evokes a sense of simpler times, with a slower pace of learning and a strong sense of community. The focus might have been more on character building than standardized testing.
* Rigorous and demanding: A place where students were pushed to their limits academically, fostering a strong work ethic and a sense of achievement.
* Outdated and restrictive: Suggesting a lack of modern resources, limited perspectives, and perhaps even outdated teaching methods that might not be relevant today.
Combining aspects:
* "The old school stood as a testament to bygone eras, its weathered brick walls whispering tales of generations past. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of aged wood and chalk dust, a comforting yet slightly musty aroma that clung to the worn wooden desks and the imposing portrait of the school's founder."
* "The imposing stone building, a relic of a bygone era, housed classrooms that felt both grand and confining. The strict discipline and traditional curriculum were a stark contrast to the modern educational landscape."
To best describe an old school, consider the specific details you want to convey and choose the words and phrases that most effectively evoke the desired mood and atmosphere.