K-12 Educational Design: Tour of the New Andover West Elementary School and Shawsheen Preschool

Event Description

The new West Elementary and Shawsheen Preschool brings K–5 and Pre-K students together in a single accessible facility, reducing school transitions and maximizing shared resources. Organized around a central hub with key communal spaces, the design emphasizes mobility, flexibility, and student independence. Grade-level wings include adaptable homerooms, interactive learning commons, and small-group spaces that support a variety of learning styles and encourage movement during the school day. Nature is woven throughout the experience through outdoor classrooms, gardens, play areas, and environmental graphics that celebrate local ecology, sustainability, and diverse student identities. Inclusive design elements—such as sensory graphics and sign-language-based signage—support all learners.

Presenters

Matt Rice | Design Architect SMMA