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. The new 49,230 square foot facility responds to these requirements through the development of specialty instructional areas that accommodate both typically developing and special needs students ranging in age from 3 to 5 years old. In order to cover the full spectrum of early childhood development three classrooms were specifically designed to accommodate infants 6-months and older.
Unique instructional areas to the St. Charles ECC include a children’s library, a gross motor room that is themed around the community’s historical downtown area, a specialized art and music classroom, and a culinary arts classroom where students can receive interactive instruction in food preparation. All classrooms include access to a dedicated student restroom / changing area, a storage room for supplies and large-sized classroom manipulatives, and a combined workspace for both the primary instructor and a supporting paraprofessional educator.
Constructed in 2018 at a cost of $12,920,000, the facility recently received the Outstanding Design Award in the Pre-K / Early Childhood category from American School and University (ASU) magazine.
The project at New Berlin's Junior/Senior High School will provide modern facilities for all grade levels in the district to learn and grow. The additions and renovations aim to reorganize and enhance core educational spaces, creating a clear sense of place for both junior high and senior high school students. While different grade levels will have age-appropriate spaces, shared areas will be centrally located for easy access.
The Community Engagement Planning Process with Meridian CUSD #15 resulted in a clear direction, to reduce the number of campuses from four to two and concentrate resources to make these remaining two campuses healthy, safe, and educationally relevant.
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.