This Academy welcomes children and families via an entry plaza while secure outdoor learning environments are accessible from every classroom.

Two classroom wings flank a central gathering space that provides training and educational opportunities for providers, families and community members.

The village of classroom “homes” at Porter-Leath Orange Mound supports early childhood development in the community.

Main Entry provides a vibrant welcome. Colored panels in the playground fence echo artwork at the interior gathering area.

Front Porch has a unique identity and sense of belonging for the children while also sheltering from elements outside classroom.

The idea of classroom ‘homes’ provide architectural familiarity with Orange Mound Neighborhood and serve as a backdrop for outdoor play areas.

Outdoor play spaces include natural, open-ended play areas that encourage exploration, physical development and imaginative play.

The “Little House” classroom window reinforces child-sized scale, a sense of home for families and children, and neighborhood identity.

Original works by Orange Mound artists depicting themes and figures that highlight local history and values to honor community culture.

Large windows of the multi-purpose space fills Porter-Leath Orange Mound’s interior with daylight, strengthening the connection to natural world beyond.

Child Scaled spaces inside provide seating, personal space, and reinforce a sense of home and belonging.

Architects and education experts developed spaces supporting children and teachers. One way glass allows student teachers to observe classroom behavior.

Student teachers are able to observe multiple classrooms without disturbing students or teachers with one way glass, and soundproof walls.

Parents are provided spaces where they can interact with teachers, their peers, and family service professionals.