Through an extensive evaluation process, the community selected a preferred solution to construct a new 790-student elementary serving grades 2 through 4 on the campus of the existing Ryan Elementary School. This district-wide approach will bring students together early in their academic careers, minimizing transitions between grade levels, and facilitating a shared class identity. Upon completion of fourth grade, students will move into the adjacent Ryan School on the same campus. Additionally, with this option the district will be taking two aging facilities offline and alleviating over-crowding issues at two other schools.
A welcoming curved entrance to the school with generous seating options encourage informal interaction between students, staff, parents, and all members of the school community. A variety of right scaled outdoor gathering spaces, both interior courtyards and exterior to the school allow for outdoor classroom and social events. The shared plaza, curved pathway system and subtly raised planted areas with native plantings create the appearance of a lush campus linking the two schools while allowing for more interaction and learning opportunities.
The three-story school is organized around a centrally located outdoor classroom with classroom wings radiating outward into the landscape. Enrichment spaces such as Art, STEAM Labs with green houses, and Music activate the outdoor classroom throughout the day. The community visioning sessions emphasized the need of outdoor learning, gardens, green house space and accessible green roofs reflecting Tewksbury’s rich history of horticulture.
