Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School – Seneca Valley School District

exploring how schools can emulate children's museums by creating learning spaces more compelling, relevant, engaging, and successful for students.

about

CMP and Cannon Design embarked on a novel partnership that focused on reimaging the systemic way school buildings are designed by merging the Museum’s design philosophy with that of the global design firm, specifically leveraging their work in the education sector documented in their publication ‘Third Teacher’? Our design approach was rooted in the question of why we observe that children express joy, excitement and eagerness when arriving at a children’s museum, and not when arriving at school. And then, could we design a school in such a way as to elicit similar enthusiasm and anticipation from students and teachers when going to school?

Opened in August 2022, the k-6 educational facility now serves as a model for others demonstrating why physical learning environments play a key role in educational outcomes. This facility models exciting new ideas around how corridors and walls are used, how the building and surrounding natural environment can be teaching tools, how adaptability allows for constant curation of physical learning spaces, and how space can take students on learning journeys. CMP served as experience consultants, working side by side the design team and school district through every phase of the project, from pre-design through professional development for the teachers.

TIME Magazine has recognized Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School as one for the Best Innovations of 2022.

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2023 Education Facility Design Awards: Ehrman Crest Elementary and Middle School

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