Houston, Texas
Jackson & Ryan Architects were selected to master plan the 23-acre South Campus for St. Francis Episcopal Day School as well as design the new Day School and the Crum Athletic Center.
St. Francis Episcopal Primary School is a premier Reggio Emilia inspired school for children from ages two to five. The new Primary School facility is located on the beautiful South Campus that still has original historic homes. To maintain the calm, natural surroundings for the children, the school is divided into three home-like buildings with a separate entrance for the administration offices. The school curriculum emphasizes curiosity, exploration, and independence. The outdoor play areas between each house and the central pods allow each child to find a place to learn and to try new ideas.
To reflect the idyllic landscape site, The Crum Athletics Center building is designed to look like a barn, fitting naturally among the home-like buildings and the playing fields. The Centers gymnasium is used by the high school and middle school for practices and competitions. The second-floor space above the locker rooms has science labs, a prep room, two meeting rooms, and an open flex meeting space. These spaces will serve high school students.