The school is organized around grade-based “neighborhoods”.
These neighborhoods consist of a central Learning Commons surrounded by three classrooms and a special ed room. Students use the Commons to work in small groups and engage in project-based learning—a flexible approach that fosters critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Informal learning spaces offer a change of pace from classroom instruction. Creative features such as built-in benches and soft furniture create opportunities for chance encounters while fostering a sense of safety and belonging.
Generous glazing offers clear sightlines to nature in every part of the building.
The school serves as a community focal point for the town.
Flexible large spaces such as the cafetorium can host public events and student-led performances.
Outdoor areas include structured play, open play, and outdoor classrooms tucked into quieter areas of the site, taking advantage of topography and vegetation.
The interplay of brick, wood, and glass evokes a sense of permanence and familiarity.
Randomized and consistent glazing is strategically placed to maximize natural daylight within classrooms and accentuate corner spaces, creating a bright and inviting learning environment.
Brick corbelling creates a simple weaving pattern that lends a modern take on a classic New England material.
The site design is optimized for a high volume of traffic and parking.
Wellesley residents’ preference for car drop-off and pick-up for their children created a potential traffic issue on Weston Road at the south-western entry. The design team conducted over a dozen circulation studies to arrive at a solution that fits up to 112 cars on site for queuing while ensuring safe pedestrian and bus movement.
