Mt. Sterling Elementary School

Mt. Sterling, Kentucky

Firm

Sherman-Carter-Barnhart Architects

Client

Montgomery County Board of Education

Area

62,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$5,503,643

Completion Date

08/1998

Mt. Sterling sought a unique elementary school that would be reflective of its small community. The planning process included a site master plan, which incorporated the new elementary school and community athletic fields.
Primary objectives included a child-centered school, a welcoming environment, distinct primary and intermediate wings, and separation of school traffic from athletic activities. The image the school wanted to project was of a highly detailed non-institutional building that would appeal to elementary school children, and that recalled a one-room schoolhouse. The solution incorporated these objectives in various ways.
The media center is featured at the front to recall a one-room schoolhouse. It features a colorful roof and establishes the entry for the school. A graceful curving brick portico celebrates the entry for students. Brick bands and colors accent the building and reduce the overall length. Distinct wings for primary and intermediate classes are located along the main ridge of the site. Common spaces are located off a colorful lobby that serves as a focal point, and presents a friendly and welcoming school.

Photographer: ©Walt Roycraft Photography