DLR Group completed a colorful and dynamic space for the Storm Lake Early Elementary School in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Drawing inspiration from nature reminiscent of endless days spent during summer camp, outdoor adventures are calling at Storm Lake Early Elementary School. Unbounded adventure is always just around the corner for the littlest of learners in this school. From the moment
students are greeted at the campground to when they hike to their learning neighborhoods, learners are fully immersed in a world of color and pattern.

Collaborative, hands-on learning spaces, which didn’t exist within the district prior to this school, are shifting the community’s mindset to new and exciting learning opportunities.

Each grade-level neighborhood is built around adaptable discovery areas that allow students to express their creativity while also fostering friendships. Mobile furniture, activated seating, and furniture choice support highly flexible spaces and inclusive learning modalities for all in this active and rapidly growing age group.

A failed bond referendum in 2018 caused the community to pivot its plan for a new school, which transitioned from an early childhood center to an early elementary school. It became the springboard for a unified educational experience for the community’s Pre-K to first grade learners and a place that inspires the most eager of young minds to dream big.

Design: DLR Group
Photography: Michael Robinson