New Construction, High School

Open floor plans, daylighting, mobility, and flexibility are exemplified in the new Alexandria Area High School. The design evolved from a large-scale public process with the community, students, and administrators, resulting in a 21st Century environment ready for the future of education and vocation.

Cuningham Group led a co-creative design process that organized the school into four wings: sports, performing arts, a 1,013-seat auditorium, and learning spaces. All are flanked by the three-story Community Commons at the heart of the school.

Educational programming is offered in four ‘academies’ in two three-story wings. These “Academies of Alexandria,” are small learning communities featuring adaptable spaces and hands-on labs. “Learning Stairs” provide informal gathering spaces. Glass classroom walls can be reconfigured as technology and classroom needs change, while mobile furnishings empower users to rearrange environments to support a wide range of learning activities.

Cuningham Group designed this project in collaboration with JLG Architects.