Thorntown Elementary

Thorntown, Indiana

Firm

Moake Park Group, Inc.

Client

Western Boone County Community School Corporation

Area

75,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$9,000,000

Completion Date

03/2025

Tim Brumbeloe

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Thorntown Elementary School is a legacy facility constructed in 1954 and thoughtfully adapted over time to support evolving educational needs. The current addition and renovation represent a critical investment in modernizing the building—enhancing safety, accessibility, and flexibility while supporting contemporary teaching and learning. The result is a student-centered environment designed to serve the community for decades to come. Following a comprehensive assessment of the existing facility, a clear set of programmatic priorities emerged. Key additions include a secure main entrance, a centralized learning commons, a new media center, and a variety of flexible lab and collaboration spaces. The new learning commons serves as the heart of the school, integrating the media center into a dynamic, highly visible environment that encourages interaction, exploration, and engagement. Relocating the media center into the learning commons establishes a strong connection to soft seating areas and an integrated learning stair, creating opportunities for both structured instruction and informal, student-driven learning. These interconnected spaces foster collaboration, support diverse learning styles, and provide students with new ways to engage. The design emphasizes openness, natural light, and vibrant color to create bright, welcoming environments throughout the building. Together, these improvements transform Thorntown Elementary into a forward-thinking educational environment that enhances the daily experience of students and staff while introducing innovative learning tools and spaces to the district.