Nestled among the rolling hills of a 90-acre, picturesque site is an innovative new high school that has revolutionized secondary education for the rural community it serves. With the progressive mission of preparing every student for college and career, the school fully integrates college preparatory programs with technology and trade programs, giving equal prominence and to both. Since moving into the new school, this district has seen a tremendous boost in student performance. Assessed by the state as “needing improvement” prior to the new school opening, scores rose to “proficient” in the first year and then to “a school of distinction” in only its second year of operation.

This multi-story facility incorporates a wide variety of sustainable features including natural daylighting using building orientation, sun shades and tubular skylights to bring natural light into interior spaces to boost student performance. High performance insulation and a reflective “cool” roof control the transfer of heat to reduce the burden on the HVAC system. This building uses an innovative hybrid HVAC system that marries chilled beam and geothermal to reduce energy consumption and maximize thermal comfort. Two vegetated roofs feature integrated irrigation systems that capture runoff from the rest of the building. One of these green roofs also doubles as an outdoor classroom for the school’s science programs.