The new Firgrove Elementary School, designed to welcome and inspire, replaces the district’s previous and outdated facility, serving 730 students from Pre-K through sixth grade.
The campus blends nature and function, featuring outdoor learning areas, rain gardens, and lush landscaping that connect the school’s two-story classroom wing to the south with the one-story public wing to the north. These green spaces extend to the parking area and entry plaza as well, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for students and the community.
A striking overhang shelters the main entry, which is crowned by a library bridge. This architectural centerpiece reflects the school’s role as a source of pride and inspiration. The bridge serves as both a connector and a destination, with operable walls, transparent views, and distinctive staircases. The southern stair doubles as a learning forum with sweeping forest views, while the northern stair offers a dramatic descent into the commons, the social hub of the school.
Classrooms for grades 1-6 are paired with shared learning spaces to foster collaboration and team teaching. Mirrored layouts across hallways create opportunities for group expansion and flexible learning environments.
Special Education, Kindergarten, and Preschool classrooms occupy a one-story wing on the north side of the learning courtyard. Centrally located, they ensure easy access to shared spaces like the cafeteria, gym, and playgrounds.
The commons, music rooms, and gym are housed in double-height volumes that extend northward, accommodating both student activities and community gatherings.
