Massachusetts Elementary School Enters Final Stage of Construction

Studio G Architects recently announced that a new elementary school in Groton, Mass., has reached the final stage of construction. Florence Roche Elementary School (FRES) will cover about 110,000 square feet and was designed to embody the district’s educational pedagogy of Universal Design for Learning. The facility will have the capacity for about 645 students between grades K–4 and is set for completion during summer 2024, according to a news release.

The Groton-Dunstable Regional School District is also partnering with Leftfield Project Management as the owner’s project manager and Gilbane as the Construction manager, the news release reports. Studio G brought its focus on sustainability to the project, creating modern and energy-efficient learning spaces, the news release reports.


Rendering courtesy of Studio G Architects

Reflecting UDL principles of design, the building is organized into grade-level learning neighborhoods each featuring a shared project area, pull-out spaces, and integrated special ed support. “This environment supports Universal Design for Learning with the spaces and features needed for the engagement, teaching representation, and learning expression for all students,” said Studio G Architects’ Marylee Mercy, Project Architect and Accredited Learning Environment Planner.

“At Studio G, we believe that great design begins with a deep understanding of our clients' needs and aspirations,” said Gail Sullivan, Managing Partner at Studio G Architects. “Through extensive collaboration with Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, teachers, students and the community, we have developed a design that embodies the district's vision for 21st-century learning.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Photo credit - Chuck Coates

    Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

    Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.