With approximately 63,000 adults lacking a high school diploma in the D.C. area, Goodwill Industries of Greater Washington recognized the need for a charter school specializing in adult education. Located in a downtown office building, The Goodwill Excel Center includes 12 interactive classrooms with smartboards, a computer lab, common space and a YMCA-run child-development center, where students can drop off their children while attending classes.

With the majority of the classroom space on a lower level and the childcare and program offices on the level above, Little’s design team was challenged to craft a learning experience that inspires students to thrive. Unique lighting, branding/environmental graphics and color fill the classrooms and project the feeling of a business/university space rather than a high school.

Within each classroom, 21st century technology and high-speed Internet access help shape the professional environment as students work with interactive smartboards and under sensored LED lighting. Desks have been replaced with mobile tables and chairs that can be arranged for students to work singularly or in groups, and help to promote collaborative learning. The open environment also supports transparency and connectivity through glass enclosed offices that allow for private conversations while allowing mentors/coaches to remain highly visible and accessible.

To promote Goodwill’s mission of supporting community wellness, the renovated space incorporates a number of sustainable and WELL building features to help reduce the building’s carbon footprint and increase the health and productivity of students and teachers.