Rochester City School District

Planning and design of this school serving 800-students in grades pre-K to 5, is based on a child-centered approach that focuses on the creation of “neighborhoods” and common gathering places within the school. The design incorporates a variety of shapes and sizes in both its interior and exterior detailing, creating an environment of delight and discovery for these littlest of students.

A series of learning neighborhoods were created along a segmented main “street”. The configuration creates intimacy, as the passage weaves its way from one cluster to the next. Individual clusters are arranged around an “alternative learning area” — an open space or “town square” providing light and outside orientation, and serving as a focal point of identification and activity for student from surrounding classrooms.

The school is situated on 6.3-acres in an urban neighborhood where safety and security is always a concern where young children are involved. Even though the interior of the building is segmented, there are no “hidden pockets” or high risk areas. And, the building is situated in such a fashion that it creates a buffer between the street and play area and is easily monitored from the street.