Wheaton High School Campus
Wheaton, Maryland
client
Montgomery County Public Schools
size
330,200 sf; 1,700 Students
certification
LEED Silver
type
New Construction
stats
Joint Campus Planning
Located on a joint campus with Thomas Edison High School of Technology, the STEM-focused replacement school embraces the spontaneity of learning and encourages the importance of embracing and integrating both the Arts & Humanities and Technology.
Interior and exterior collaborative areas throughout the school encourage discovery and discourse, across all disciplines.
A master plan feasibility study regarding the renovation of existing Wheaton HS and Edison HS resulted in the selection of providing two separate buildings on one site. This selection was influenced by the need to keep both existing schools operational during the projected five-year, multi-phase construction period.
The Stair + Courtyard
Upon entering the school, students are greeted by a grand stair that anchors the intersection of the building’s two main axes, representing the limitless possibilities and innovations at the union of technology and the humanities. The stair provides a central gathering place for the school community, serving as a respite between classes and a place to socialize with friends.
At the heart of the building is the outdoor courtyard, which floods natural light into the surrounding classrooms and corridors, and provides additional learning, social, and activity space. Art classrooms open onto the courtyard to take advantage of the daylight, and outdoor benches with a recessed face will display art students’ mosaic tiles.
Transparency
With almost all classrooms having windows connecting to the corridor, students are able to see their fellow classmates engaged in learning across all disciplines.
Ranked #2 In The Nation!
The AP+PLTW program aims to encourage student participation in science technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses to building student interest in STEM degrees and careers.
Click below to read more about Wheaton High School’s #2 Ranking from the College Board + Project Lead the Way.
Closing Thoughts
The vision of collaborative learning everywhere — even in corridor zones with built-in seating — was designed with direct input from students. Constantly in use, these spaces inspire learning and the students’ engagement in their studies.
Grimm + Parker Architects are excellent listeners and utilize an inclusive process to identify the needs and address the concerns of the stakeholders, staff, and surrounding community.
Senior Planner, Montgomery County Public Schools
Awards
#2 in Nation, in STEM Education
College Board + Project Lead the Way
