Since its opening in 1948, Boys Town High School has continually provided safe and inspiring learning experiences for its students. Our design for the new Boys Town Education Center captures the spirit of the intricacies that make Boys Town unique. Special attention is paid to each detail; from the vertical and horizontal juxtaposition of form to brick and stone color detailing. Consideration of mental health and student and faculty well-being are the two driving forces of this design. A central staircase connects all levels, allowing staff to easily supervise student movement. The exterior façade is inspired by the historic facilities of Boys Town, with its playful brick patterns and original mural. Each detail of the new school is an embrace of the past with forward-thinking hope for the future.

The new 110,000-SF school serves 450 students, grades 4-12. A variety of different-sized classroom studios are included in the facility to support programmatic needs identified in the curriculum assessment. Dispersed small group rooms throughout the building allow for group work, acoustic separation, and student and teacher one-on-one time. Elementary and middle school students have access to learning commons for collaboration and hands-on learning. A multipurpose room offers activity space for elementary and middle school students to engage in physical education activities. Makerspaces give high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in technology and STEM-related activities. Spirit Hall occupies the main level and is visible to every level, looking over the three-story volume with fully transparent glass on the east side for spectacular views of the landscape and Omaha skyline.

Founded in 1917 by Father Flanagan, Boys Town welcomes children of all races, genders, and spiritual beliefs. Students at Boys Town come from difficult backgrounds, including fractured families, homelessness, or involvement with the juvenile justice system. Despite these challenges, they arrive seeking guidance and the opportunity to find success in school and in life. Through tailored support and customized educational plans, Boys Town empowers its students to overcome adversity and build a foundation for success. As of 2023, over 3 million children and families have been positively impacted by Boys Town programs.

Nearly every student at Boys Town has experienced some type of trauma in their lives. Additionally, the teachers and staff at Boys Town experience secondhand trauma in their day-to-day at the school. From these conversations, we recognized the need to incorporate trauma-informed design principles to create a safe and comfortable environment. At Boys Town, these elements include sensory boundaries, nested layers, and spaces that result in dignity, belonging, and comfort. The education center features ample spaces that provide appropriate privacy, combined with open interior environments that facilitate visibility.

Utilizing the students’ creativity and talent adds a unique artistic touch to the interior finishes and an authentic connection between the students and their school. In one project, students worked in teams designing tile patterns that influenced some of the school’s interior finishes. In addition to the tile project, students also contributed to a butterfly mural in the media center. Each student decorated a butterfly, which Omaha artist Watti White assembled into a large mural. This mural reflects their journey at Boys Town as they grow, evolve, and soar.

Design: DLR Group
Photography: Michael Robinson