OPN Architects is proud to have been College Community School District’s go-to architect for the past 20 years. As such, OPN has had the opportunity to design myriad new constructions, updates, and renovations for a wide range of schools within the District. A flourishing student population prompted the District to build a new K-5 elementary school in 2014.

In order to optimize design dollars, the District decided to use a prototype. The concept for Prairie Hill originated with the OPN-designed Prairie Ridge elementary school, with a few changes to personality elements to tweak the aesthetic appearance. The school’s design is conceptualized around experience, with large expanses of windows visually connecting the interior and exterior. Individual classroom pods are grouped around a common learning environment allowing multiple areas for student-centered learning. The new school also includes a large instructional media center providing an exciting learning environment for students; a large multi-purpose room, complete with a commercial-grade food service kitchen and a stage area for student performances; a gymnasium for athletic programs and student performances on a larger stage; custom-picked furniture for classrooms and common areas; and an exterior courtyard for learning opportunities outdoors.