Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
A radical new approach to fueling innovation and economic investment
- Client
- Pasco County Schools
- Location
- Wesley Chapel, Florida, United States
- Size
- 180,000 square feet
- Status
- Completed
Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation (KRAI) was designed to be a vessel of impact for students and the local economy. Focusing on Career and Technical Education (CTE), the school offers hands-on, interactive learning that teaches skills more than theory—arming students with the competencies needed to successfully transition from high school to careers, or into college and beyond. Showcasing strategic siting and stunning architecture, the project features various internal and external spaces engineered to foster community, collaboration and safety.
The new high school is focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE), which is a pedagogical approach that prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers.
What distinguishes KRAI from other high schools is the impact it will have on students and their future career prospects. As a standalone, purpose-built CTE and comprehensive high school, it offers students direct pathways into careers ranging from digital technology and engineering to biomedical science, cyber security, building construction, robotics and more.
With the capacity to serve 1,000 students, the school’s integrated curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities provide students with the skillsets needed to successfully transition from high school to careers, or into college and beyond.
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The school's onsite automotive garage allows students to build skills to support an upwardly mobile career. -
An expansive welding lab teaches students the skills needed to step into welding careers. -
A standout feature of the new school is the 1:1 ratio of students to electronic devices. The school anticipates assigning a personal laptop to each student, with some laptops being customized for specific programs of study. -
Classrooms are designed to encourage interactive instruction and collaboration between students.
Testimonials
The thoughtful design of the building maximizes the area’s warm climate and natural winds. Oriented in the east-west direction, which is the primary wind direction throughout the year in the area, the building’s courtyard can be cooled by natural ventilation as much as possible. All of the exterior walkways—there are no internal corridors—shade the glass of the building to keep interior temperatures comfortable.
New school, new identity
KRAI is not only a new school building, it's also a concept born from a new idea. This uniqueness allowed our team to deliver an array of original elements, including the school's brand and visual identity. Drawing inspiration from the school's schematic design, curriculum and the surrounding environment of the Florida wetlands, our graphics team designed an original logo, typography, color palette and brand guidelines to create a sense of belonging, openness and unity.
