This document provides guidance on school facility planning and design. It discusses general space considerations like ensuring students have access to exercise, healthy food, and a natural play space. It also addresses phases of school development, from renting temporary space to building a new permanent facility. Design elements like flooring, walls, daylighting, and views are addressed. The document aims to help identify unique facility needs and empower teams to design spaces that support the school's mission.

2. Prologue School Design Plan Alignment General Space Considerations Prologue
Across the country, you are tackling a wide that staffing capacity, processes, and decision SCHOOL LEADERS | There is so much to tackle in the sample list above could be addressed 2.2 Finish selection and cleaning concrete and wood. Each of these materials You have a clear picture of how students will
range of real estate issues, from pounding rights vary across the network, it is written to in your school's early years. Stay focused on with a variety of solutions. Thirty minutes of Learn more ~ The Fisher Fellowship Proper maintenance of interior finishes will provides a different aesthetic feel, cost, clean- Quick and Easy ~ Developing a sus- learn, how teachers will inspire and how the
Prologue
the pavement to find a site, to accommodating be accessible to the various audiences – busi- what is most important for your students. exercise could take place in a gym, an outdoor is a one-year school leadership
lead to a longer life for the material as well ing requirement and performance aspects. tainable purchasing policy can help school will feel; but how do you turn this vision
How do I use this manual? enrollment growth within your current facil- ness operations staff, school leaders, execu- Prologue play space, or the cafeteria, once all the tables training program run by the KIPP Prologue as contribute to a safe and healthy environ- Vinyl products can come with or without a fin- you make informed decisions about into a realized learning environment? How do
Why us? Why now? ity, or renovating an existing building to better tive directors, board members – that work You will have to make many tough decisions and chairs have been moved aside. Ultimately, Foundation. Fisher Fellows experi-
ment. Knowledge of your long-term operating ish, perform well in wet messy conditions and safe and healthy products (from you provide the best possible space to help the
School Design Plan Alignment School Design Plan Alignment
How are KIPP schools different? meet your needs. Each local environment has together to solve the real estate questions and as you plan and open your school. You may your job is to get creative and figure out how to ence an intensive summer program
budget will assist in making decisions on the are easily cleaned. Where possible, rubber is surface finishes to green cleaning Prologue school accomplish its goals?
its own special dynamics, and there is no one- we hope that you will share this resource with Key Questions to Ask have to sacrifice space or programs that are best provide your non-negotiables in the space of coursework, followed by residen- Key Questions to Ask
initial material selections, as the total cost of a preferable to vinyl. Rubber products have the products) to use in your schools. Phases of Development
size-fits-all KIPP solution that addresses your your design team. Also, recognizing the range General space considerations important to you to secure what you believe that is available to you. cies at high-performing schools, General space considerations
product is the initial installation plus the on- similar attributes but do not need to be waxed, Groups like the Responsible Program Checklist
This section aims to arm you with nuts & bolts
real estate concerns and your budget. Never- of project types and sizes that are undertaken, will most help your students, especially while and training conferences to prepare
going required maintenance. Operational and are comfortable to stand on and absorb some Purchasing Network have policy guidance on facility planning and development.
Space Flashcards
theless, there is no reason to deal with these there is no step-by-step process description your school is growing. To help ensure that you Some examples of how goals may translate for opening new schools in their
maintenance staff should come up with a plan sound. Grouted floor tiles are highly durable, standards and purchasing guides.
issues in isolation. For all the differences that to achieve your goals. Instead, we highlight do not sacrifice spaces or programs that con- into physical space follow. respective communities. Fisher
and budget for yearly replacement and repair easily cleaned with minimal if any chemicals, CHPS has launched a sustain- Get project stakeholders, particularly the
exist between one project and another, wheth- the facility-related questions and issues that tribute to your school's culture and learning Fellows come together as a cohort
of products, as well as a monthly, weekly and but can be noisy. Terrazzo is easily cleaned, can able materials database. Visit the design team, involved in discussions early.
er in the same city or on opposite sides of the should be raised and provide general guide- environment, consider writing a list of non- KIpp DC: Leap, WashIngton D.C. in order to develop and finalize their
daily maintenance protocol. be patched if needed and, if maintained prop- Go through the following section with them to
country, there are strategies and resources lines and identify resources to help your team negotiable elements you promise to provide KIPP DC: LEAP's school leader, Laura Bowen, School Design Plans, articulating erly, can last the lifetime of the building. Wood begin a dialogue on design decisions together
Quick and Easy ~ Several major
that can be borrowed and shared. to arrive at the solution that best meets your for your students. valued a safe, outdoor play space for her stu- their school's vision. This includes flooring provides comfort but needs to be used and build consensus.
local needs. You are encouraged to pick and the development of a Commitment FLooRs in areas away from water usage.
carpet manufacturers, including
dents. It was a clear goal outlined in her Fisher Interface and Milliken, will sell or
This manual is intended to support you in choose amongst the topics and apply what is A sample list might read: Fellow School Design Plan in 2007. From past to Excellence and a plan for how it The surface that takes the most abuse in a
facility is usually the flooring. Additionally, ap- donate carpeting that has been
making informed decisions concerning your most relevant and useful for your particular MY STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO... experiences in muddy fields, KIPP DC teach- will be used. WaLLs
propriate floor material will contribute greatly reclaimed from other businesses
Early Childhood and Elementary School situation. · thirty minutes of exercise a day, ers knew this space needed to be usable Walls are often covered in a finish of paint.
to the functionality of a space. These two fac- and institutions, cleaned, and/or
facilities. As KIPP grows and begins to serve · a healthy lunch and snacks, year-round and shared this need with their Paint technology has improved recently so
tors should lead the decision making process restored. Reclaimed carpet might
more students at younger ages it is important · space and time to learn on their own, architect. The architect developed an inter- that products with low environmental impact
for flooring type. also be available from indepen-
to gather general best practices employed - Liz Obgu & Carolyn Choy / KIPP Real Estate & · feel safe in their classroom, nal courtyard with all-weather ground cover can also have good performance. There are dent carpet vendors. To learn more
by KIPP middle schools and high schools, to Public Architecture (&cannon?) · thermal comfort, where students can play safely, away from the several manufacturers that make scrubbable
Carpeted floors provide thermal warmth about Interface’s program. Visit the
understand lessons learned from pioneer- · learn to play a musical instrument, street and out of the mud. paints. Your maintenance staff needs to deter-
ing KIPP elementary schools and to tailor this · a natural playspace and fresh air, and comfort to a space. Carpet can also help mine if money spent on a high-performance
information to help KIPP schools in the future. · learn science in a hands-on lab, RogeRs paRK MontessoRI sChooL, ChICago, IL soften noise levels. Carpet can also soil easily paint is warranted or if it is easier to maintain
· read in a well-lit, well-ventilated, if used in a space with exposure to water and by touch up painting throughout the school
At Rogers Park Montessori students have the food if the cleaning regiment is not regular.
KIPP’s universal design philosophy is ground- quiet space year. Display surfaces can be integral to a wall
right to plenty of exercise a day. This meant the Carpet should be vacuumed daily, spot-treated
ed in flexibility. From its early days in church and include magnetic surfaces, markerboard
school needed adequate physical activity and on a regular basis and cleaned with a hot wa-
basements to today, when many schools are Obviously cost will be a consideration for all surfaces and tack surfaces. Using a partition
play space for all students at all times of year. ter extraction process on a yearly or biyearly
thriving and able to build their own facilities, projects, and limited resources mean that you as a surface to communicate and celebrate
Their preK-3 and preK-4 student population basis depending upon location in the building.
flexibility has ensured that KIPP students' will always have to make tradeoffs. With this in student achievements can contribute much
was a strong part of their school, so they con-
education always comes first. This manual mind, your students' rights should not be tied to the culture of the school. All of these sur-
sidered a facility with a smaller scaled play- Hard flooring includes many different products
has been designed to be flexible. Knowing to specific physical spaces. Note that the items faces should be easily cleaned and repaired.
4 11 room that more adequately supports activities 18 including vinyl tile, rubber tile, tile, terrazzo,
25
How do I use this manual? School Design Plan Alignment General Space Considerations Phases of development
The guide is intended to help identify unique for small bodies than a full-size gymnasium. As these surfaces will likely take more abuse into hallways and other high traffic areas that This diagram shows current KIPP EC and El- While all schools may not follow this precise
facility needs related to Early Childhood (EC) Learn more ~ Learning environment Learn more Learn more ~ Green design does than a standard painted wall, replacement cost are often dimly lit. ementary schools organized by their stage of path, try to identify where your school resides Learn more ~ You can visit KIPP.org
Prologue
and Elementary Schools learning environ- refers to a classroom, but it can not have to cost more. Check out an should be factored into the long term budget. growth and type of facility. Notice the increasing and how much time you need to plan for a shift for a current list of leaders at each
How do I use this manual? ments, to assist and empower the design and mean a library, lab, gym, theater or Prologue Your list of non-negotiable design elements article in Buildings Magazine: Greg Prologue Direct sun penetration into classrooms, espe- complexity of the scope of the facility project un- to a different facility type. Also, please reach school. The Appendix lists leaders
Why us? Why now? development of facilities that support your playground. It is where your stu- School Design Plan Alignment
may also help you value first costs over long- Kats of Capital E on the true costs
School Design Plan Alignment
2.3 Daylight & views cially through un-shaded east or south facing dertaken from Rental / Minor Build-Out to Exist- out to regions that have tackled the type of referenced for this guide.
How are KIPP schools different? school’s mission, and to address facility con- dents learn. term costs. It may be tough to justify spend- of building green. Visit the website The visual environment is very important for windows, was found to be associated with nega- Prologue ing Building Renovation and New Construction project upon which you wish to embark to learn
siderations both at an early, visionary stage Key Questions to Ask ing more upfront, for example, on an energy Key Questions to Ask
learning. Increasing natural light in the class- tive student performance in a 2003 Heschong Phases of development as schools grow and mature over time. from their experiences.
and a more detailed facility planning stage. General space considerations efficient facility that will pay you back in a few General space considerations
room, as well as views to the outside, has been Mahone Group study, Windows and Class- Program Checklist
years in energy savings, but if you can begin found to increase student performance and rooms: A Study of Student Performance and
Space Flashcards
This guide will help you to make informed fa- to establish some baseline goals beyond aca- productivity. If a student is actively engaged in the Indoor Environment, most likely because of
cility decisions and guide your ability to com- demic performance, you may have an easier glare and thermal discomfort. Glare has been RentaL / MInoR BuILD-out Renovate exIstIng BuILDIng BuILD out neW BuILDIng
learning, views to their surroundings beyond Learn more ~ In a 1999 study You are renting a portion of a building, often for You are moving semi-permanently or permanently Your school is ready to move into its own
municate with design teams; please feel free time convincing potential supporters and do- the classroom walls can serve as an inspira- found to negatively impact student learning,
completed for Pacific Gas and temporary use (1-2 years), which may require into. Since your stay here may be an extended stay, permanent facility, which will require new
to share this resource with members of your nors that your school planning is responsible tion for participation and thought, not as a especially in math, where instruction is often vi-
Electric, Daylighting in Schools: An minor renovations such as moving a few walls, you might need to do a more extensive renovation construction (or extensive renovation of an
design team. and focused. distraction. In addition, if light fixtures can be sually demonstrated on the front teaching wall. painting or laying carpeting to accommodate your to accommodate your learning goals. Work back existing structure). Here you should allow at
Investigation into the Relationship
dimmed or turned off during the day, this can Ask an architect or designer to study the appro- needs. You may also be using modulars to house a from your target move-in date; ideally you would least 1 year of planning and design work and an
between Daylighting and Human
Additionally, this guide is also intended to raise result in significant energy savings, as evi- priate devices to bounce light into the interior portion or all of your school. allow 1 year of planning and design work with an additional 1 year for construction.
Performance, the Heschong Mahone
awareness that it is never to early too think denced in the Capital E report Greening Amer- on appropriate facades. architect and an additional 6 to 12 months for
Group established a statistically construction.
about how the design of the learning environ- ica's Schools: Costs and Benefits, resulting in compelling connection between day-
ment can advance a student’s ability to learn. operating cost savings as well. Light should be able to create shadows for
lighting and student performance, FuLL-sCaLe sChooL New Orleans, KIPP McDonogh Houston, KIPP Sharp Houston, KIPP Shine
contrast and diversity. Allowing students and
finding that students in classrooms DC, KIPP Leap
This document is divided into three core sec- Consider lower light levels away from windows teachers the ability to vary the light intensity
with the most daylighting had 7% to
tions: 1. Design your school, prompts to gener- to encourage napping and quiet play. Many and color will enhance their ability to focus gRoWIng sChooL Houston, KIPP Dream New Orleans, KIPP Central City Helena, KIPP Delta
18% higher scores on end-of-year
ate broad ideas and set goals with space con- states require nap time spaces to incorporate in a variety of teaching and learning settings. Galveston, KIPP Coastal Village LA, KIPP Raices DC, KIPP Promise
testing than those with the least.
siderations in mind | 2. Develop a facility, the near black-out conditions. Focus larger group This can be achieved by providing dimmable New York, KIPP Academy Elementar DAC, KIPP Discover Academy Houston, KIPP Explore Academy
Visit the Resources Baltimore, KIPP Harmony
nuts & bolts you need to determine needs and areas closer to windows where children gain light fixtures or a few smaller lamps and task
Houston, KIPP Zenith Academy
to achieve your goals | 3. Best Practices, best energy and alertness. In general, it is a good lights.
practices to help frame your decisions. practice to provide a bright, sunny side of a neW sChooL Chicago, KIPP Ascend Primary Austin, KIPP Austin Comunidad
room for play and a softer, quieter side for nap In addition to bringing in appropriate amounts LA, KIPP Comienza Community PrepPrimary DC, KIPP DC: Grow Academy
time and storytelling. Architectural features of natural light, providing views to the outside LA, KIPP Empower Academy Houston, KIPP Legacy Preparatory School
can also improve occupant well-being, produc- NYC, KIPP Infinity Elementary School
such as clerestory windows and angled ceilings Philadelphia, KIPP Philadelphia Elementary
can bring light further into large classrooms. tivity and performance. Students with access Academy
Ask your architect or facilities team to design to exterior views will feel a sense of connectiv-
or look for buildings that put windows along ity to their surroundings, encouraging them All data is current for the 2010-11 school year
interior classroom walls in order to bring light to take what they are learning in the class-
5 12 19 26
Why Early Childhood/Elementary? Who can help?
Key Questions to Ask General Space Considerations Program Checklist
Since the opening of the first KIPP elementary Public Architecture is a nonprofit that lever-
school in 2004, the number of Early Childhood ages the resources of our nation’s design Location Sharing Space room and apply it to the community and world sounD IsoLatIon The following four pages are checklists, in- Core Academics
Prologue
(EC) and Elementary schools in the network professionals to improve communities in need. Are you locating in or are you easily accessible Due to space availability/cost considerations, This is also a great time to identify around them. Discuss with your architect or Classroom environments should be located, Learn more ~ According to the tended to assist school leaders and regional
How do I use this manual? has expanded dramatically. There are 24 KIPP The organization is proud to be able to assist to the community that you want to serve? Is it will you be co-locating? What are the keys to the community organizations and facilities team important considerations like when possible, away from inherently noisy American National Standard, staff in determining how much space is rec-
Why us? Why now? EC and Elementary schools in operation dur- KIPP with building comprehensive design and Prologue important to you and your school's goals that making shared space work? members who have goals aligned Prologue providing views to include building orientation, spaces such as music rooms, gymnasiums Acoustical Performance Criteria ommended to address the goals and needs of
ing the 2010-11 school year, and there will be facility development tools, helping to insure students are able to walk to school? Traditional district schools may be too large window size, glass and window covering mate- and cafeterias. Separating a classroom from "The reading scores of 2nd to 6th your school. The checklists should be helpful
How are KIPP schools different? School Design Plan Alignment to yours. Reference NCB's Answer School Design Plan Alignment
30 by the summer of 2011. The strong perfor- that each school’s built environment reinforces How can you "enlarge" your campus by tak- for your full capacity needs. Are there commu- rial selection, and access to views from typi- adjacent classrooms and corridors can be grade children in a school exposed Prologue to both schools that are thinking about new Shared Academics
Key Questions to Ask Key for a listing of key players. Key Questions to Ask cally interior spaces such as hallways, offices to noise from a nearby elevated construction as well as those schools that are
mance of the early elementary schools sup- the success of KIPP’s educational model. ing advantage of neighborhood amenities like nity members with goals aligned with yours? achieved by selecting wall materials that Phases of Development
Learn how you can embrace, col- and gymnasiums. urban train track were compared trying to identify an existing space that will
ports KIPP's belief that starting earlier will General space considerations
parks and community centers? General space considerations
achieve the proper sound transmission class Program checklist
make a long-term positive impact on the ability CanonOWP/P is honored to participate in the
lect and engage others early on. in quieter and noisier classrooms. meet their needs.
How does the climate affect your pedagogy and Community (STC). STC rates the amount that sound is re- Space Flashcards
— The Answer Key for Charter School The students, comparable in all
of students to make it to and through college. growth and evolution of the KIPP school net- operations? Consider: Coat or rain-gear stor- 2.4 Acoustics duced by passing through a partition such as a Shared Community
How will students and parents enter your site? Facilities. Visit the resources respects, were receiving the same The first checklist is to be used as a template
work. When Cannon Design first opened its age, outdoor play space, natural ventilation. An essential element to the success of stu- wall, roof, or door.
Whereas KIPP middle schools developed What will their first experience with and im- type of instruction. However, the and guide when discussing space needs for
doors in 1945, its initial client was a school. dents is their ability to communicate in the A higher STC rating indicates more sound is
typical space needs as they grew and learned pression be of the school? children in the lower grades and your EC/ Elementary School. Listed are various
Today, more than half a century later, Cannon Pedagogy Learn more ~ The Hawaii Charter classroom effectively. Amongst the younger being reduced. Ask your design team to aim
from experience, the KIPP network has ex- How will you accommodate teacher develop- noisier classrooms were three types of typical spaces found in schools. This
Design is proud of the national and internation- Is there anything unique about your School School Administrative Office has student population, approximately 15% of for classroom walls with an STC rating of 50.
pressed a need for more upfront guidance in ment and interaction? Consider: Main office or to four months behind in read- list is not comprehensive, but should give you
Academic Support
al reputation it has built by working with more Design Plan and pedagogy that should be re- published some considerations students have some hearing loss (www.quiet- Music rooms and gyms should have an STC
the development of EC and Elementary school offices scattered throughout the building, indi- ing scores relative to those in the a good mix to begin a dialogue between project
than 150 school clients to support their educa- flected in the school environment? for sharing school space. Visit the classroom.org). In addition, a student learn- of 60. If your facility is a multi-level building,
facilities. Growing bodies of research highlight vidual teacher's offices or teachers workroom. quieter classrooms and as much stakeholders, which includes school leaders,
tional vision. The evolution of Cannon Design's Does your school require specialized space to resource ing English as a second language or suffering acoustical separation between levels achieved
the critical importance of a child’s physical K-12 studio has followed an upward trajectory through the floor and ceiling construction as 11 months behind for the higher regional staff and architectural and construc-
support your pedagogy? Consider: Art, dance, Health /Sustainability from an attention deficit disorder is at a signifi-
environment in their intellectual development. as it continues to ambitiously pursue quality should also be taken into consideration. grades." Visit the Resources to tion design teams. Facility Maintenance
group learning, music, play, science, outdoor cant disadvantage in a noisy classroom. Young
The physical environment should support and in design environments that promote learning How can you ensure that your students remain learn more
learning. students have smaller vocabularies and are
facilitate the great teaching and dedicated excellence and outstanding service to clients. healthy, even if you are teaching in a modular sounD ReveRBeRatIon The three checklists that follow are examples
less able to piece together missing words in a
learning that is expected in a KIPP school. classroom? of programs for schools at various phases of
Growing into your school sentence. All of these factors can contribute Students need to hear their instructor, peers, Quick and Easy ~ Acoustics is an
Know your building's air quality. Ask the build- development: a NEW SCHOOL, a GrOWiNG
What aspects of your school vision can merge to lower speech intelligibility even in the most as well as themselves clearly. When sound issue that can addressed at the
ing engineer about the air-filtration level, the SCHOOL, and a FuLL-SCALE SCHOOL. Each
and share spaces for the first few years while ideal environment. Ensuring a proper acousti- bounces, or reverberates, around a room to too start of a project. Before choos-
quantity of outside air intake and whether or school or region has local constraints to work
you grow? cal environment to counteract these issues is high a degree, the resulting echo can jeopardize ing an existing building to move
not the windows can be opened. All of these af- within to achieve its own unique goals and pro-
Do your spaces need to be agile to accommo- critical. the ability to hear. Many elements in the room to, bring along a purchased (less
fect the air quality in classrooms. grams, so the checklist and programs should
date many activities? Consider: Wheeled-stor- can contribute positively and negatively to rever- than $50) or borrowed sound level
The EPA provides information on nonattain- be used as a benchmark and not as absolute
age systems, folding or stackable furniture. There are three main factors to address when beration. In general, in early childhood learning meter to check the effect of the site
ment areas (a locality where air-pollution lev- requirements.
How long will you occupy your space? Will your creating an optimal acoustical classroom spaces the instructor does not have a fixed loca- (traffic, neighbors, etc.) and exist-
els persistently exceed National Ambient Air
facility be permanent and able to provide for environment: sound isolation, sound rever- tion and is freely presenting from different parts ing mechanical systems on the
Quality Standards). Visit the website Be sure to talk to an architect about state and
future growth or is it fulfilling temporary space beration and background noise. Consult an of the room. Absorptive materials where pos- acoustic capabilities in the class-
local codes specific to your location.
needs? acoustician or an architect familiar with these sible, such as carpeting for the floor and sound room. Potential classrooms spaces
INTRODUCTION
6
DESIGN 13 PLAN A 20
issues, as well as the resources at the end of
this document, for more information. BEST
absorptive wall panels at higher portions of the
walls should be used. The most important sur-
should have a reading of 45 dBa or