The ongoing construction of Bellefonte's new elementary school, designed for modern educational needs.
Bellefonte is on track to build a state-of-the-art elementary school with a budget of $55 million, designed to cater to approximately 600 students. The facility, set to open in fall 2026, will include modern learning spaces, safety features, and community amenities such as a library and a STEM lab. The school prioritizes energy efficiency and flexible learning environments, shaping a progressive educational experience. Plans for transitioning from existing elementary schools are also underway, ensuring a smooth move for students and faculty to the new facility.
Bellefonte is constructing a new state-of-the-art elementary school with a budget of $55 million. The project, which started in June 2024, is on schedule to open its doors to students by fall 2026.
The new building will cover approximately 98,000 square feet and is designed to serve roughly 600 students in grades K-5. The development is expected to reach substantial completion by December 2025, allowing for interior setup and preparation before the September 2026 opening. The construction timeline emphasizes careful planning to ensure the school is ready for academic activities and community use.
The school’s architecture was designed by KCBA architects, focusing on facilitating high-quality education and incorporating energy-efficient features. Community feedback gathered during listening meetings over multiple years played a crucial role in shaping the building’s layout and functionalities. This input helped guide critical aspects such as classroom flexibility, safety, and community amenities.
The new school features flexible learning spaces that can easily adapt to evolving teaching methods. These include modular classrooms that enable future expansions aligned with student enrollment growth. Additionally, the design integrates multiple multi-use spaces such as small-group instruction areas, gymnasiums, courtyards, and Learning Stairs, all aimed at enhancing student engagement and versatile learning experiences.
Safety is a priority in the school’s design, with secure entry vestibules and hallways configured to reduce sightlines during emergencies. Traffic flow and parking lots are also planned to improve safety and decrease congestion during busy times like drop-offs and pick-ups. Accessibility features include widened doorways, mechanical hoists, and dedicated sensory rooms to support students with special needs.
The school employs high-quality materials selected to optimize lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Heating and cooling systems will be individually controlled in each classroom to boost energy efficiency and minimize noise, providing a comfortable learning environment for students and staff alike.
Beyond classrooms, the new Bellefonte elementary will serve as a community hub by including a library, gymnasium, and STEM lab accessible to both students and local residents. To celebrate the community’s heritage, a “Hallway of History” will be showcased, highlighting Bellefonte’s local history and culture.
As part of the transition, the existing Bellefonte and Benner elementary schools are scheduled to close once the new school opens. District leadership has established co-principal roles for the new school, with current principals collaborating for a smooth transition. Additionally, the district is reviewing school boundary zones based on upcoming kindergarten class sizes to optimize enrollment and resource allocation.
The district continues to hold overview meetings regarding potential closures or renovations of current elementary schools, ensuring community involvement and careful planning for future educational infrastructure needs.
Overall, the new elementary school in Bellefonte represents a significant investment in community education, with modern facilities and thoughtfully designed spaces aimed at supporting students, faculty, and families well into the future.
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