“The best school environments don’t just support learning—they ignite imagination, nurture belonging, and empower every student to thrive.”
Legat Architects
Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Wheaton, Illinois
Client: Community Unit School District 200
Size: 43,000
Completion: 2022
Architect: Legat Architects
General Contractor: Nicholas & Associates
Jefferson Early Childhood Center encourages exploration, environmental education, and peer interaction for students of all developmental stages. Evidence of the facility’s focus on early learners appears in everything from the playful facade and classroom window placement to the energetic color scheme and quiet HVAC system. The efficient design reduces construction costs, and an energy-efficient geothermal system lowers heating and cooling costs.
Legat Architects’ designers drew inspiration not only from administrators, teachers, and parents, but also from community members and specialists ranging from physical and occupational therapists to speech and language pathologists.
KI
Borrego Springs Unified School District
Borrego Springs, California
Client: Borrego Springs Unified School District
Completion: 2025
Architect: HMC Architects
Borrego Springs Unified School District sits in one of California’s most unique communities—tucked within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and serving just 345 students across three schools. But when the district set out to modernize its high school for the first time in more than 30 years, the goal was anything but small. With the support of an $8.6 million community bond, Borrego Springs partnered with KI to create flexible classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and a vibrant new library designed to support career-focused learning and prepare students for life after graduation.
Educational Environments
Joliet Township High School Culinary Labs
Joliet, Illinois
Client: Joliet Township: Joliet Central & Joliet West High Schools
Size: 18,000 SF
Completion: 2025
Architect: Wight & Company, Dealer: Educational Environments
General Contractor: Gilbane
Joliet Township High School District 204 is redefining career-connected learning through thoughtfully designed environments that prepare students for life beyond graduation. Structured around five Career Academies, the district offers students individualized Programs of Study aligned with real-world industries. Within the Academy of Business Management & Information Systems (BMIS), the Culinary Arts & Hospitality pathway exemplifies this approach—blending academics, technical skill development, and professional practice in spaces designed to mirror industry standards.
Interface
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
Concord, New Hampshire
Client: Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
Size: 50,000 square feet
Completion: 2024
The Concord School district took a long-term planning approach for their facilities and went with nora® rubber, citing benefits around cost savings, durability, and ease of maintenance. Over a decade later, the floors have retained their original beauty and performance.
Kimball International
WaveWorks
5 Shifts Transforming School Design
School design is evolving quickly, driven by a convergence of technology, flexibility, and human-centered priorities. From AI-powered learning tools and multi-use classrooms to smarter infrastructure, wellness-focused environments, and visible sustainability strategies, today’s schools are being rethought from the ground up. These five innovations highlight how districts, designers, and manufacturers are working together to create spaces that are more adaptable, connected, and responsive to how students and educators actually learn and teach.
