Windermere Elementary

The modern two-story structure houses six learning neighborhoods that directly respond to the school’s unique curriculum. The neighborhoods are organized across both levels in a pinwheel configuration that surrounds the central media center atrium. Each neighborhood contains four studios (classrooms) that allow students to circulate between the collaborative common spaces and independent study rooms. The interconnected layout inherently promotes flexible instruction and enhances grade-based learning.

Separated from the media center only by transparent glass, the double-height dining commons transforms seamlessly into an event space for faculty, students, and visitors alike. The furniture selection is integral to the flexible design throughout the school, providing many different configurations for students to discover their own ideal learning environment.

Moody Nolan teamed up with Perkins&Will to design the visionary elementary school. The resulting facility reflects the school district’s commitment to educational excellence through architecture that encourages collaboration and innovation for students to develop the skills needed to succeed. Additionally, the new school served as a prototype design for the development of several additional schools in the Upper Arlington area.