The district had two separate schools that served their small, rural student population. Both campuses needed extensive updates and lacked 21st century spaces. The new, smaller single campus school serves the district within a tighter footprint with increased 21st century program space. The design nearly eliminates non-instructional space (hallways, cafeteria, kitchen) and allows for highly collaborative learning studios within an efficient footprint.
The FOREST, RIVER, and MEADOW iconography guide young learners and visitors through the space. The abstracted natural colors and themed graphics create a stimulating and age-appropriate place for students to feel comfortable and connected.
Common spaces allow groups of students to do collaborative and project work adjacent to the primary learning space in which they are assigned. Whole student wrap-around services are located in the common zones to allow convenient access for all students. Outdoor learning spaces are readily accessible to students and faculty. A large, circular outdoor classroom space includes a lawn lecture area, tables and chairs, portable sink for wet lab experiments, and even a giant chess board!
The district's two aging schools required immediate, extensive renovations.
The result? A cutting-edge, K-8 school, where nearly every inch fosters collaboration and flexibility in a streamlined footprint.
- 11% Less Space for the District to Maintain
- Flexible Spaces and Furniture
- Safety Features
- Secure Entry Sequence
- Project Based Learning
- Innovative Space
- Outdoor Classroom
- Distributive Dining
- Award of Merit, Exhibition of Educational Environments: IASB/IASBO 2019 Conference
Facing the challenges of growing Pre-K programs and efforts to reorganize elementary schools, Richland County CUSD #1 found the construction of an early learning center was the answer they were searching for.
This $33 million project, which received strong community support with a 70% approval rate, continues to move forward on schedule. The new facility will be located on the Junior/Senior High School campus, creating a more unified educational environment for the district.
The building was designed to replace several small, aging elementary schools with one larger facility that accommodates small learning communities and future education changes through its unique modular design.