The new Robert Smalls Leadership Academy (RSLA) in Beaufort, SC harnesses an inspiring story of a hero’s journey to unite a diverse learning community around a common sense of pride and spark change across a school district. In connecting deeply with the history of Smalls and Beaufort, the school becomes a teaching tool, a community hub, and a catalyst for future projects.
Smalls was born into slavery in Beaufort, SC, and grew up to be one of the most influential figures of the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. Smalls led a distinguished military and political career, and he was an advocate for equal rights and education for freed slaves. In 1925, the first Robert Smalls School was founded in Beaufort to educate Black children. Over the next 45 years, the school would become the pride and joy of the Black community.
The design solution for the school was a collaborative effort between the design team, district, and the community. The project mantra, “Grounded in History – Reaching for the Future,” guided key decisions and is reflected throughout the campus. The resulting design honors Smalls through welcoming public spaces and a prominent entry sequence while providing a safe, student-centered learning environment.
