Sundance Elementary School

Elementary Schools | Middle Schools | High Schools | Specialized Educational & Administrative Facilities | K-12 Trends

This school design developed from a set of project goals established during interactive planning workshops held with school stakeholders, community members, and design professionals.  Key goals included the creation of small learning communities, a prominent front entry, outdoor learning areas, and ample daylighting.

The school is arranged with welcoming arms that guide students to the centrally located main entry.  Classrooms within are arranged in three “neighborhoods”, each containing two grade levels.  A “neighborhood” is composed of classrooms, project rooms, common areas, a special education classroom, and support spaces; allowing for a broad range of learning configurations and teaching strategies.  Clerestory windows provide day lighting to common areas which can be used and supervised for break-out projects and joint class exercises.  Three exterior courtyards provide views, transparency through the school and sheltered student work space for projects and presentations.

This 70,546 square-foot school was designed for 500 students with core spaces sized to accommodate up to 700.

Location: Los Lunas, New Mexico
Size: 70,546sf