Charter Oak Elementary School
Temple, Texas
Creating a sense of place for young learners in a fast-growth school district was the challenge for Charter Oak Elementary School, where regionally inspired design features ground the campus in its community.
Inside the main entry is a mural depicting the history of the school’s namesake—a nearby oak tree where founders signed the Bell County Charter. Inspired by this heritage oak, the school design celebrates the start of a student’s education, establishing roots for a future where they can grow to be anything they want to be. This idea led to the use of natural materials and forms throughout. Playful light fixtures resembling clouds or ice cream scoops spark the imagination. Windows and interactive surfaces at students’ eye level promote observation of learning all around. Cozy features create a sense of place and comfort, and provide a sense of belonging and safety.
Each learning community, or neighborhood, contains five classrooms and flexible shared common space, reducing the scale of the 82,500-square-foot, 800-student building. Playful neighborhood entrances conceal color-coded security doors that support wayfinding.
Additional Information
Cost per Sq Ft
$204.00
Featured in
2020 Educational Interiors Showcase
Interior category
Classrooms
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