Combination Schools

River Terrace Education Campus

01Project Overview02Image Gallery03Services & Recognition04Related Projects
01 Project Overview

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

Combination 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

03 Services & Recognition

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.

2016 Grand Prize Jury, Learning by Design
Services Provided

Architecture

Interior Design

Engineering

Planning

Awards & Recognition

2016 Honorable Mention Award
School Planning & Management Education Design Showcase

2016 Grand Prize
Learning By Design, Fall Issue

2016 Craftsmanship Award Winner – Electrical/Lighting Systems
Washington Building Congress