Elementary School

This three section K-8 school is located on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation and provides educational facilities for an enrollment of 500 students.

The goal was to keep strict separation of primary, intermediate, and upper level grades, while minimizing travel distance to common use spaces, such as art, music, multi-media, special education, and the gymnasium. The search for the solution led to the development of a plan that locates the common use areas at the core with wings for grades pre-K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 radiating in three directions. The main entry and commons/gathering area are linked by a wide, diagonal "street" that further reduces travel distances to the core areas.

The 95,000 square foot building incorporates various elements that have symbolic significance for both the Lac du Flambeau Chippewa tribe and the local community. The heavily wooded site was developed in such a way as to be sensitive to the traditional Native-American respect for nature. Chippewa art, traditional decorative patterns, and building materials reflect the Chippewa culture and location of the school.