The design of the new Edward M. Felegy Elementary School creates smaller learning communities that reduce the scale for the young students. The schools’ interiors are bright, colorful and inviting which helps to create individual identities within the school.

A pedestrian-friendly entry was created, tying the community into the school. Sharing a site with an adjacent middle school, the new school houses students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The school provides learning environments that are flexible and interactive, offering students a safe and secure venue to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Innovative and efficient systems combined with light-filled learning spaces support the curriculum of the school and provide a community-based asset that reinforces the County’s commitment to sustainable design. The sustainable features offer constant learning opportunities for the students. There are outdoor laboratories and classrooms that allow the learning to take place outside the walls of the school. The building design engages the site, connecting with nature.

There was extensive collaboration with the community during the design process. Hord Coplan Macht led an intensive 2-day community design charrette involving members of the school community, district leadership and local residents. Hord Coplan Macht worked with the local community leadership to design friendly traffic patterns that addressed the school’s needs.

Certified LEED Schools 2009 – Gold