The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) held their 2024 Virginia Chapter conference on March 3-5 in Virginia Beach, VA, during which design awards were distributed based on this year’s theme: “Uniting Communities, Bridging the Divide.” Shining a light on projects that embody the mission to facilitate connection through flexible, state-of-the-art educational facilities, a jury of industry professionals granted  Quinton Elementary School the Gold Award for New Construction and the People’s Choice Award, a category voted on by conference attendees.

Community-Focused Design

Quinton Elementary School, located in historic New Kent County, was designed with local residents in mind. A primary goal was to create an environment that is welcoming to all by incorporating spaces that can be utilized for community events and programs. These spaces include a main gymnasium that connects to the cafeteria through a platform stage that can open from both sides to support various sized groups. This was done in part to create space for the local Parks and Recreation Department’s summer programs, fulfilling the local needs for a stronger Parks and Recreation presence and larger recreational space in the east end of the county.

Additionally, a large mural painted by a local artist is included in the school’s media center. The piece celebrates New Kent County’s rich heritage and acts as an educational tool for students, as it portrays historical landmarks and events. Even the school’s branding was a community-driven endeavor, from the selection of its mascot—a bear cub—to the creation of a distinctive logo. Each of these design elements was carefully crafted to reflect the school’s values and foster a sense of belonging.

Enhancing the Educational Experience

Along with fostering a community connection, the design team sought to create a dynamic learning environment for students and educators that inspires exploration, creativity, and collaboration. To achieve this goal, both indoor and outdoor learning spaces are included. These spaces create opportunities for hands-on learning experiences either in thoughtfully designed classrooms or immersed in nature. Academic wings also feature extended, flexible learning spaces, affectionately known as Bear Dens, that cater to diverse learning styles and activities.

Additional features of the 95,000-square-foot facility include:

• A dedicated STEAM lab available to all grade levels
• A social stair that serves as a gathering area for students, a presentation platform, and a transportation hub
• Parks and Recreation office space
• Rooftop outdoor learning labs with raised beds for gardening and science exploration
• A glass box at the end of each extended learning area, allowing seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor learning spaces
• A thoughtful color palette that includes a dedicated color for each grade level, amplifying an overall sense of community in the student body