Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy | Frayser

Memphis, Tennessee

Firm

RDG Planning & Design

Client

Porter-Leath

Area

35,400 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$10,230,000

Completion Date

03/2021

AJ Brown Imaging

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The creation of this early learning academy reinforces the importance of quality education and development of children ages six weeks to five years in the underserved Memphis community of Frayser. The high visibility on the property helps convey this message of early childhood to the surroundings. A “Common Language of Music” is the theme for the building and site design, highlighting the fundamentals of music composition to create a visual fabric for the classrooms, community spaces and play areas. Its child-friendly design leverages daylight and views, lush natural landscapes, bold forms and colors and musical elements to enrich learning engagement. The program organizes the 16 classrooms into age-focused neighborhoods with community support and gathering areas placed at the center.

Ample physical space and daylight in the classroom interiors support the children’s ability to explore, learn and develop. These measures are integrated throughout the academy, adapting the spaces in between as engaging moments for the cognitive and social-emotional development of children, and as community collaboration areas supporting the development of parents, staff and other childcare providers.