As part of a district-wide master plan implementation for Champaign Schools, BLDD brought the International Prep Academy (IPA) to life. This transformational educational environment supports diverse students in learning through future-focused methods. Intentional features like operable walls and flexible seating facilitate collaboration and project-based learning, while bilingual teams and faculty can share students without leaving the classroom area.
At IPA's heart is a two-story commons space serving as a multipurpose hub. This open gathering area hosts sporting and cultural events, serves as a dining space, and transforms into a performance venue with a tiered seating area and stage access. The upper commons overlooks the stage and provides access to a large media center, home to a bilingual library supporting the school's diverse student community.
Awarded 2023 Exhibition of Educational Environments Honorable Mention
- Two-story, multi-use commons space
- Dedicated spaces for ESL, intervention and special programs
- Large media center with bilingual library with space for 15,000 volumes
- Dedicated art spaces with kiln and gallery
- Flexible furniture, operable walls and collaboration spaces
The building was designed to replace several small, aging elementary schools with one larger facility that accommodates small learning communities and future education changes through its unique modular design.
The new Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School houses K-8 students in an environment that revolves around student-focused learning with the incorporation of flexible and collaborative work spaces to encourage students to work in small groups.
The new K-8 school features a commons area with a stage for presentations and events, along with a media commons in the core of the school. Students enjoy colorful “portals” to represent different environments within the school, as well as creative makerspaces for a hands-on education.
The district first partnered with BLDD in 2010 to develop a comprehensive facilities assessment and improvement strategy that addressed both immediate challenges and long-term aspirations. This partnership came at a crucial time as the district implemented its “Righting the Ship” initiative, a strategic plan designed to ensure fiscal stability while maintaining educational excellence.