Northeast Magnet, Wichita Public School’s first new high school in over 40 years, celebrated the completion of their new building in August 2012. The new high school was part of a $370 million bond issue approved by voters in 2008.
The new 800 student state-of-the-art high school was constructed in the northeast quadrant of the district, located in the city of Bel Aire. It’s on a 100 acre site by the northeast corner of 53rd Street North and Rock Road. The new facility greatly helped relieve overcrowding at Heights High School in north Wichita.
The school is divided into three main areas: a two-story academic area, a fine arts area and a physical education/athletic area. It features a secure main entrance; a 900 seat auditorium and fine arts suite; a library/media center with seating for 100 students; career and technical education classrooms; a 1,800 seat gymnasium with a walking track mezzanine; a swimming pool; and a practice gym that doubles as a FEMA storm shelter. A “main street” hallway concept allows easy access from one end of the school to the other. Along the main street, there are several alcoves that serve as mini-commons areas to give students a place to gather during lunch.
The 240,000 square foot school was designed to optimize energy efficiency and cost. It incorporates low cost features found in our other LEED-certified facilities, such as:
- All rainwater is channeled through bio-swales that have high natural percolation soil to absorb and keep water on site. Native grasses are used in all outlying non-developed areas.
- The building is designed to maximize natural light for increased occupant performance. Using passive solar design techniques reduced heating loads in cool seasons and cooling loads in warm seasons.
- White reflective roofs redirect sun rays and reduce the air conditioning load.
- Judicious use of durable materials at high traffic and high environmental wear areas provide economical endurance.
- Light level and occupant sensors are connected to system controls to lower or shut off lights and HVAC, making the building more energy efficient.
The size of the new facility will allow Northeast Magnet to expand its initial program by 150 to 180 students. The school is designed so that it can be converted into a traditional comprehensive high school, complete with outdoor athletic facilities.
View Original