West Carthage Elementary School

Carthage, New York

Firm

MARCH Associates

Client

Carthage Central School District

Area

61,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,430,900

Completion Date

04/2002

West Carthage Elementary School was designed to support the district’s teaching philosophy and methods. The structure is the third of three elementary schools for district students in grades K to 5. This contemporary school will play a vital role in the community.
The school is organized in two major zones: a two-story academic area and a high-volume activities area. The two zones are connected by the building’s main entrance and central administrative functions.
The academic wing consists of 24 classrooms. Through the use of retractable partitions, areas can be separated or opened to accommodate groups of varied sizes. The focal point of the academic wing is a centralized library with a sweeping circular exterior wall.
The activities wing features a gymnasium, cafeteria and music rooms. Because these facilities house the activities/performances that require community access at night and on weekends, this wing has a separate entry and lobby, and can be isolated from the remainder of the building. The school entrance is in the center of the layout and can be supervised from the main office.