Case Study: West Point Elementary School

West Point Elementary School

for Social Emotional Learning

The new West Point Elementary School continues a 200-year tradition of educational excellence at West Point Military Academy. Today, West Point students in grades PK-4 thrive in a 95,607 SF school created to deliver a 21st century curriculum.

Because DoDEA students face frequent disruptions to their family and social life, the design teamed developed a theme that connects students to the history, geography and ecosystem of the Hudson River Valley. This theme creates a strong sense of place and gives a common identity to all students at West Point. The design concepts also support a strong focus on STEAM education and 21st century learning.

“The emotional needs of children in military families are significant. DoDEA must respond with adequate psychological support for these students.”

– 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS

Department of Defense Eduaction Activity (DoDEA)

Connnecting Students to the Hudson River Valley

Each of the five learning neighborhoods is named after an animal important to the indigenous Native American tribes that once called the valley home. Student chose the mascots: Racoon, Deer, Bear, Turtle and Owl.

Each central hub features a large mural of the neighborhood’s mascot, and signage at the neighborhood entry includes the animal’s name in English, braille and Mohican, the language of the valley’s original Native American tribes.

MOHICAN NAMES OF ACADEMIC NEIGHBORHOODS

• Ati:ron (Racoon)

• Oskenon:ton (Deer)

• Okhwa:ri (Bear)

• Takwax (Turtle)

• Tsihstekeri (Owl)

Each academic neighborhood is branded with unique colors to enhance students’ sense of identity.

Enhancing Identity and Learning

West Point Elementary School delivers a STEAM curriculum founded on DoDEA’s progressive view of 21st century learning. Design concepts use the building as a teaching tool, but in ways that deepen students’ connection to the Hudson River Valley and build upon the concept of a shared identity.

– 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS Department of Defense Eduaction Activity (DoDEA)

The emphasis on using the building as a teaching tool focused on multiple key areas of student awareness:

History

Understanding the history of the Hudson River Valley

Ecology

Explorating the flora and fauna that make up the local ecosystem

Creativity

Celebrating the rich artistic legacy of the Hudson River Valley Artists Colony

Sustainability

Increasing students’ understanding of their impact on the future of the Hudson River Valley

“It is important that schools incorporate features of the local culture and community.”

The media center features an interactive display with a topographical map of the valley.

A small presentation area shows the history of Hudson River watercraft through the years.

A vibrant river stone collage depicts rocks that students would find in the Hudson River.

Wall panels let students discover images of plants and insects native to the area.

One of the most successful teaching tools is large mural located outside the school’s art room. The mural is a grayscale depiction of a painting of the Hudson River Valley by Frederic Church, one of the prominent Hudson River School artists. A writable glass surface allows students to add their own creativity.

The building design teaches students about their role in protecting the future of the global community. Solar panels and wind turbines provide information which is tracked through energy dashboards. The data is used to help students see how their actions impact energy use and carbon emissions.

OHIO

128 West Market St Celina, OH 45822 419.586.7771

4930 Bradenton Ave Suite 200 Dublin, Ohio 43017 614.764.4661

INDIANA

350 East New York St Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317.848.0966

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