Columbia Elementary School

The new Columbia Elementary School was thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings by integrating the two-level structure into the site’s existing topography. This strategic design approach not only enhances the school’s functionality and accessibility but also minimizes its visual impact on the landscape.

The main level of the school serves as the public-facing front of the campus and includes the primary entrance, administrative offices, a media center, and classroom wings for early childhood, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. This level opens to grade on the east side of the site, where the main parking area, parent pick-up/drop-off lanes, and dedicated playgrounds for Pre-K and Kindergarten are conveniently located.

The lower level of the building opens to grade on the west side, connecting directly to the bus loop, service drive, utility yard, and athletic playfields. This floor houses essential shared and specialized spaces, including the full-service kitchen and cafeteria, a gymnasium, art and STEM classrooms, and classroom wings for 4th and 5th grades.

By creating a dual-access, split-level design, the school efficiently separates vehicular traffic patterns for parents and buses, enhances safety, and ensures smooth day-to-day operations. The building is designed to support 21st-century learning with a strong focus on collaboration, natural light, energy efficiency, and age-appropriate learning environments across all grade levels.