Education

Iola Elementary School

The new Iola Elementary School thoroughly benefits from natural light with the cafeteria, administration office, library and common areas all surrounded by generous glazing. Continuing the trend of including aspects of nature into everyday schooling, a central outdoor learning space was created. Dedicated to the memory of a cherished local educator, the area emphasizes collaboration and creativity between students.

Additional notable elements of this project include unique, shared storage at each grade-level to minimize class disruption and emphasize cooperation, and a competition gym for all district use, which utilizes a divider curtain so that two physical education classes can be held simultaneously.

The new school building is a major source of community pride with hundreds of parents, students, and excited citizens touring the facilities on the evening of its dedication.