Prominently located in an urban neighborhood of Brookline, the Coolidge Corner School is the largest PreK-8 school in the system, but with rising enrollment, was facing severe overcrowding which posed challenges to the delivery of Brookline’s strong educational model. Sited behind the historic Devotion House and a public courtyard, the oldest portion of the school was constructed in 1913 with two additions from the 1950s and 70s. HMFH’s design for the 1,000-student school includes renovations to the 1913 building, and the addition of two new wings that allow grade levels to be grouped together and function as self-contained learning communities within the larger facility.
Because most students walk to this neighborhood school and approach from several abutting residential streets, the school is designed to be an inviting place that functions as the heart of the community. Three main entrances converge on a double-height atrium and central stair that provides easy access to core spaces including the gym, cafeteria commons, multi-purpose room and media center. Framing the courtyard and the 1913 building, two academic wings house three academic self-contained learning communities for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. With outdoor classrooms, a rain garden, school gardens, and natural play elements, the school’s site is an integral component of the learning environment.