Built in 1924, South Side Elementary is the oldest elementary facility in the Champaign School District. The original facility was designed during a time when children would walk to and from school, and aside from technological upgrades, few changes had been made to modernize the building since its original construction.
An addition and renovation includes a new gym, dining commons, administration offices, library and three flexible-learning classrooms. To improve safety and security, a tornado shelter was added, along with updated entry controls and advanced camera systems.
Environmental graphics reinforce the traditions and focus of the historic South Side program with star motifs and emphasis on every student reaching their potential. Flooring design in the commons and graphics reminds students that ‘Stars Shine Here.’
Additional details include:
- Large banners in the commons remind students to ‘Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Respectful, and Be Ready’
- Classroom corridors use photos of South Side students from a school-wide project, ‘Best of Me’
- Each grade environment is branded with a different color to aid with wayfinding
As one of the oldest elementary schools in the district, the facility required upgrades to both its structure and educational programming.
The renovated facility seamlessly blends a modern, engaging environment with the preserved historic character of the school.
- 29,000 Square Foot Renovation
- 15,000 Square Foot Addition
- New Gymnasium
- Dining Commons
- Administration Offices
- Flexible Learning Classrooms
- New Library/Media Center
- Upgraded Security Features
- Branded Environments
Completed in 2022, the 11,519 s.f. gymnasium replacement consisted of all new flooring and paint work, bleachers, new basketball equipment, dedicated locker rooms, and new bathrooms. Environmental branding was added to the space, featuring the school colors throughout, as well as the school logo on the exterior of the building. Renovations were also done to the lobby, adding in environmental branding and creating a welcoming space for students, staff, and the community.
The new high school addition provides spaces that are flexible and have more than one function. Moveable walls, reconfigurable furniture, shared faculty offices, and multi-functional spaces create a 21st century learning environment in a smaller footprint.
Understanding that early childhood students demand a different type of learning environment than their elementary school peers, the City of St. Charles School District established criteria for their new facility that was based on sensory learning, movement, imagination, and nature.