The new Knoxville K-8 campus is more than a building replacement project—it's the creation of a unified educational environment that reflects the pride and identity of the Knoxville community. Guided by the district theme of "We Are Knoxville", the design thoughtfully combines a repurposed existing facility with new construction, creating one cohesive and compelling campus experience.
The project features a clear, welcoming main entry that is pulled away from the street, improving safety, visibility, and campus identity. Seperate bus drop-off areas and strong connections to the adjacent high school strengthen site organization and circulation. Inside, existing spaces are strategically repurposed to create a new commons area at the heart of the school, providing flexible opportunities for collaboration, displays, gathering, and student engagement. Shared spaces adjacent to the new gymnasium create additional opportunity for activation and community connection. Natural light, views to nature, and welcoming interior environments enhance the overall learning experience, while supporting student and staff well-being and engagement. Junior high spaces incorporate Knoxville's blue and gold school colors to reinforce school pride, while elementary areas embrace additional color and playful energy appropriate for young learners.
- 49,569 s.f. Renovation
- 32,541 s.f. Addition
- Welcoming Main Entry
- Flexible Commons Space
Expanding the junior high into a 5-8 facility, a 5th grade wing will be added to the junior high to accommodate growing enrollment, adding five highly functioning learning spaces and a new unit office. New lockers will be added to the 6th grade wing, which will also be the new home of the enhanced junior high weight room.
The Community Engagement Planning Process with Meridian CUSD #15 resulted in a clear direction, to reduce the number of campuses from four to two and concentrate resources to make these remaining two campuses healthy, safe, and educationally relevant.
This transformational educational environment is designed to support diverse students in learning through future-focused methods. Intentional features like operable walls and flexible seating facilitate easy collaboration and project-based learning. Additionally, bilingual teams and faculty can share students without leaving the classroom area, promoting seamless support.