Thomas Jefferson High School, Independent Learning
Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania
client
West Jefferson Hills School District
size
230,000 sf; 900 students
type
New Construction
stats
1,000 Seat Community Arts Theatre
partner
WTW Architects
West Jefferson Hills School District is a close-knit community heavily invested in school life. As the only high school in the district, and first new build in over 50 years, the replacement was conceived, detailed, and built through rigorous community engagement.
Citizens, faculty, staff, and students played active roles in creating the program and vision for the new high school. Their efforts yielded learning environments inspired by Thomas Jefferson, fueled by principles of independent exploration and mentorship.
One of the project goals was to promote a variety of teaching methods to meet the needs of every student and encourage personalized learning. The design maximizes learning through diverse, collaborative, and technology rich spaces.
Rotunda
Collaboration, recreation, and innovation takes place throughout this school, pivoting from this central circulation stair and entry rotunda. The 1,400 seat gymnasium, food court, hallways with artificial turf grass for athletic training, theater, media center, outdoor learning areas, and more all converge in soaring hallways leading these pavilions.
Community Theatre
Outfitted with electronic theater controls software and fixtures similar to off-Broadway shows, this 1,000 seat arts theatre is a destination for the Jefferson Hills community.
Natatorium
The eight-lane competition natatorium is naturally-daylit and outfitted with state-of-the art LED lighting and mechanical ventilation and humidity controls.
Closing Thoughts
State-of-the-art learning incorporating traditional elements.
