Miami Valley Early Childhood School
Dayton, OH
Project Description
SHP worked with The Miami Valley School on an extensive master plan study that evaluated the feasibility of several options, both renovation and addition. The resulting project delivers on the school’s desire to reposition first impressions of current and potential students and reintroduce an early childhood school on the main campus. Designed with the input of The Miami Valley School teachers, the 70,000sf building is fully equipped to support student-led learning.
Completion
2016
Project Features
- The new Early Childhood School centered around core Reggio Emilia spaces: the Piazza, Atelier and Cucina.
- Support spaces facilitate the agile and child-focused methods inspired by the Reggio model by providing large and small spaces for different modes of learning.
- Designed with an inspiration of a fluid neighborhood, smaller spaces with unique qualities surround the central curricular areas.
- The “Glass House” offers children a front-row seat for the school day entrance while placing the learning prominently on display.
- A child-scaled reading cave and a wall that teaches children the traditional way out may not always be the best are just two unique features of the interior.
- The Garden Courtyard provides a safe, supervised outdoor area for both learning and play. The courtyard features a bird and butterfly garden