At the Pre-K level, play is how children learn, build friendships, and gain confidence. Our mission is to move beyond simple accessibility and create true inclusion. At Sarah Raymond School of Early Education, accessibility for all throughout the facility was a priority. Outside, an accessible playground allows a child in a wheelchair to enter the space; an inclusive playground ensures they can play alongside their peers, using the same spaces and equipment. The design follows the “Seven Pillars of Inclusive Play,” creating an environment that supports children of all physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities with integrated play, sensory-rich environments, and clarified navigation.
Inside, children will find easy wayfinding, bright colors and graphics, and immersive play spaces. This new facility will boast 20 classrooms, a major upgrade from the nine classrooms the previous facility had. New modern office spaces, upgraded security features inside and outside, and having everything easily accessible on one floor are just a few of the much needed changes this facility will provide. Located at the Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center, Sarah Raymond will be next door to Bloomington Career Academy, allowing the whole space to nurture growth and learning.
Unsure of whether to remodel their historic middle school, build new on the existing site near their current high school, or build new on a different site, the Maroa-Forsyth School District reached out to get community input via BLDD's community engagement process.
Phase 2 of the Pleasant Plains High School Additions and Remodel serves as an extension of the Phase 1 project, completed in 2012. The second phase completes the expansion of the high school into a 600-student school.
The new Knoxville K-8 campus is more than a building replacement project—it's the creation of a unified educational environment that reflects the pride and identity of the Knoxville community. Guided by the district theme of "We Are Knoxville", the design thoughtfully combines a repurposed existing facility with new construction, creating one cohesive and compelling campus experience.