Bray Architects delivered a bright, dynamic, and energetic environment for Baird Elementary School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Baird Elementary School features a contemporary building with a unique floor plan that maximizes natural light, incorporates community elements into the design, and provides space for outdoor learning. The new facility is adjacent to the former school’s site and responds to the district’s growth in student enrollment by increasing the school’s capacity by more than 200 students.

The overall design for the two-story facility allows for transparency throughout the building, fostering more student collaboration. Strategically located windows connect students to the surrounding park and forest. Additionally, an outdoor classroom acts as a unique learning space and provides further connection to the surrounding environment.

Grade levels are organized in educational pods; each pod includes four classrooms situated around a shared resource area and a small-group instruction classroom. Students in grades 3-5 are in pods on the second floor, while the younger students have classes on the first floor. Fostering mentorship and collaboration, colorful and easy-to-access stairs connect the two floors and support the school’s buddy program between older and younger students.

Design: Bray Architects
Contractor: Miron Construction
Photography: Bill Fritsch | Harper Fritsch Studios