Following a comprehensive study of existing facilities by GLTArchitects and Annandale Public Schools, they decided that the best option was to design a new elementary school for grades PK-5. Design began following a successful referendum in May 2011 and needed to allow the existing school to operate safely while new construction occurred. The new, 1000-student, PK-5 facility provides an exciting learning environment for children and brings together community education and elementary school programs under one roof.

Daylighting strategies were used to harvest the natural light of the sun to successfully provide the proper quantity and quality of daylight needed in an effective learning environment and will result in reduced energy consumption over the life of the building. The design team participated in the Xcel Energy Assets Program, which will result in $171,000 in rebates and incentives.

The new school welcomed students and staff in the fall of 2013.

The new, $21 million, 1000-student, PK-5 facility provides an exciting learning environment for children and brings together community education and elementary school programs under one roof.  The 146,000 sf building includes an early childhood classroom, 3 preschool classrooms, and 7 kindergarten classrooms that each has an adjoining storage room and children’s toilet room.  There are 30 general classrooms for grades 1-5 plus one flexible classroom.  The spacious media center includes 2 adjoining computer labs; media support spaces, and a special story area where books come to life in a child’s boundless imagination.  The school’s gymnasium provides 3 full-size basketball courts.  Twelve adjustable-height basketball hoops keep the gym playable for all ages.

Daylight strategies were used to harvest the natural light of the sun to successfully to provide the proper quantity and quality of daylight needed in an effective learning environment and will result in reduced energy consumption over the life of the building.  The design team participated in the Xcel Energy Assets Program, which will result in $171,000 in rebates and incentives.