Following a Master Facility Planning process, and pre-referendum effort that led to a 74% YES vote, this suburban school district embarked on a significant addition and renovation project at their PreK – 2 Primary School. Planning responded to priorities identified during the MFP process including the community’s desire for an expanded PreK program, all-day kindergarten, and the elimination of the open classroom concept in the 1st and 2nd grade wing. A 32,000 SF, two-story addition allowed PreK to move out of the mobiles it was previously housed in, expand the program to three classrooms, added a multi-purpose indoor assessment space and soft play-scaped enclosed courtyard, and expanded the kindergarten program from two, half-day classes, to five, full-day classrooms with modern amenities.

The addition also provided the opportunity to relocate the second grade into new spaces on the second floor of the addition. This relocation allowed for a 10,000 SF renovation of the former 1st and 2nd grade wing, expanding 1st grade and eliminating the wing’s former open classroom configuration.

This primary school houses spaces for PreK, K, 1st, and 2nd Grade Classrooms with each grade level being designed to cater to that particular learning group. PreK rooms were outfitted with large window boxes that allow for observation without disturbing class. In support of multiple activity zones for 3 – 5 year-olds, the PreK classrooms are zoned into spaces that provide a mixture of active and quiet activities so that students are able to engage and make choices, create, and collaborate with peers comfortably. Cubbies and toilet rooms are placed inside the PreK and K classrooms for easy access, and increased supervision. Shared teacher stations are placed between classrooms to open up the 100% of the footprint for student learning.

At the heart of the building, the multi-purpose room features large, two-story windows which allow lighting from the courtyard to make its way in to the interior of the building. Colored boxes, with bench seating running underneath, naturally create nooks inside the multi-purpose room, as well as in the second floor corridor, allowing for viewing and assessment without distraction. The multi-purpose room serves as an assessment space, an additional breakout space for classrooms, and an assembly space for large gatherings. The multipurpose room is also directly connected to an outdoor courtyard, which is used for additional assessment space, and play.