The new Gretna East High School is all about connections – from land to sky, interior to exterior, and most critically people to people. A special focus on site organization, building orientation, and access to exterior spaces and programs creates a unique learning experience for the 1,600 students in this rapidly growing community along the edge of the Omaha metro area.

Learning is elevated through a 22,400-SF academic courtyard surrounded entirely by education spaces. Intentional linear movements off the central spine of the building create a connected learning environment of classrooms, breakout spaces, and outdoor learning areas to meet the full needs of the diverse student body. This layout allows students to travel throughout the day and eliminates the challenge of wayfinding by accentuating exterior views that draw users through the space and create moments of pause.

Flexibility within the learning environment is achieved through varying sizes of classrooms, which can be adapted to fit learning in the moment. Within the academic wing, two general classrooms share a science lab to offer additional space and accommodate future growth. An art display within the art studio showcases student work and adds transparency from the art studio to the corridor and courtyard, also providing natural light deep into the space. CTE programming is highlighted with a welding shop, small engines shop, woods lab, and white box lab, which includes drone studies and a makerspace.

Design: DLR Group
Photography: Michael Robinson, courtesy of DLR Group