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Wakefield High School

Arlington Public Schools
Arlington, VA

Arlington Public Schools commissioned Bowie Gridley Architects to design a replacement facility for Wakefield High School. BGA conducted a feasibility study and worked with APS to develop a site solution that would address the educational specifications. Subsequently, the firm was authorized to provide full design services for the new 338,000 sf replacement high school as well as a new aquatics center. The design reflects current standards for a school population of 1,600 students and features a large student commons that establishes a symbolic center or "heart" for the school, complimented by smaller, informal gathering areas. Administrative spaces are distributed throughout the building to encourage student/adult interaction. The school, which incorporates many sustainable design features, achieved LEED-NC Gold certification.