Elementary Schools, High Schools, Middle Schools
River Terrace Education Campus
River Terrace has established a new paradigm for District of Columbia Public Schools—one where the students in need of the most help receive the best care, facilities and equipment.
Before 2015, students with disabilities in the district were educated in one of two facilities: Sharpe Health School for students with medical complications and mobility impairments, or Mamie D. Lee School for students with profound intellectual disabilities. River Terrace has brought these communities together into one comprehensive facility where every facet is customized to meet the students’ physical, sensory and mobility needs.
The entire campus is a barrier-free environment, allowing students in wheelchairs to go everywhere and experience everything the school has to offer. All students can play on the playground, swim in the pool and explore the multitude of indoor and outdoor paths that wind through campus.
Expertise
Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools
Client
District of Columbia Public Schools
Location
Washington, DC
Scope
32,800 New SF
40,010 Renovated SF
Challenges
Renovate a traditional elementary school to support a progressive special education curriculum
Design learning environments that allow students of all abilities to succeed
River Terrace Education Campus
The entire campus is a barrier-free environment, allowing students in wheelchairs to go everywhere and experience everything the school has to offer. All students can play on the playground, swim in the pool and explore the multitude of indoor and outdoor paths that wind through campus.
River Terrace Education Campus
Instead of a traditional courtyard, the campus has an exploratory space with pagoda bells, chimes and xylophones to stimulate senses in a safe and appropriate manner. The campus features winding pathways both inside and outside of the school that allow students to take journeys assigned by their teachers to accomplish a goal.
River Terrace Education Campus
Extensive glazing allows for inspiring views into the courtyard from surrounding classrooms.
River Terrace Education Campus
In the Horticulture Lab, older students learn job skills that will serve them well in the next stage of life.
River Terrace Education Campus
A therapy pool with zero-depth entry exposes students gradually to the water. It features an ADA ramp for wheelchair entry, a hoist and a chair lift, making the pool accessible and fun for all students.
Beautiful addition that reflects the needs of the learners. The conversion of a parking lot to an exterior courtyard is a very innovative solution. The classroom organization around it connects every classroom to the outdoors.
