The new Attleboro High School is one of 14 comprehensive high schools in Massachusetts and serves more than 1,700 students in grades 9-12. To create a more personalized, student-centered, learning environment, the large student population is organized into four distinct learning communities. Within the communities, called “houses”, non-programmed areas and corridors were designed to be collaborative and educational spaces. Interdisciplinary cooperative learning rooms and an innovation lab were integrated into each community. Flexibility is incorporated into each community to make them adaptable to changes in educational environments, and truly create a facility where learning can happen anywhere.
The organization of the building places the Library Media Center in the center of the shared community spaces and the academic wing as the heart of the educational environment. The organization also allows for the community access to the retail hall, gymnasium, auditorium, and vocational shops while keeping the academic wing secure. The new campus integrates active and passive security elements based on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Access controls limit the points of entry to a security vestibule, security cameras monitor the facility, and exterior landscape features were used to create a warm and welcoming safe environment for the students and staff.
Construction of the new Attleboro High School is currently underway and scheduled for occupancy in 2022. It is anticipated to achieve a LEED Silver certification.