The new school includes a gymnasium, classrooms and cafeteria. The focal point of the design is the center learning stair, a 21st-century learning tool that serves as a stairway, but doubles as a learning area for collaboration. The entire feature including the wall behind the stairs and the wooden stairs is an approximately $200,000 investment sets the school apart.
The design intent of the new elementary integrates a new approach for the district and drives collaborative spaces into the elementary level, which lays a foundation of integration and social interactions that lead to better success as the middle and high school levels. In addition, the district chose an open environment for the media center, another new concept within Olathe Elementary Schools.
Built on a foundation of performance and relationships, McCownGordon has completed more than a dozen projects for Olathe Public Schools.