East Prairie School

Challenge: More than half the site was occupied by the aging existing school, leaving little room to construct a new 700-student building. The district needed community buy-in to replace a mid-century school many residents didn't realize was outdated.

Solution: Phase the demolition of the existing school's small gym and library to make room for construction, close a portion of a public street to extend the play area, and secure a successful referendum (passing at 67%) through extensive community collaboration.

A three-story atrium inspired by Italian piazzas serves as cafeteria, auditorium, and central gathering space, with a learning staircase and skylights

Grade levels divided by floor (K-2, 3-5, 6-8), with "living room" collaboration nooks radiating off corridors like neighborhood piazzas

32 regular classrooms, 2 STEAM classrooms, 3 science classrooms, art and music rooms, an orchestra/band room, and gyms with a running track

Yellow and red brick exterior with undulating bay windows; a green roof tops the main entry canopy