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The facade of Aspen Grove Elementary School with parents picking up their children.

Aspen Grove Elementary School

Aspen Grove Elementary is a new 67,000 square-foot prototype school in Overland Park, Kansas, designed to serve 650 students while advancing the district’s vision for high-performing, future-ready learning environments.

Location
Overland Park, KS
Client
Blue Valley School District
Practices
Size
67,000 SF
Year
2024
Awards
An interior view of the dining hall. A buffet and cooler have wood accents and are surrounded by menu screens.

The design of Aspen Grove Elementary School is centered on flexible learning communities that can adapt to both traditional homerooms and more progressive models of personalized learning.

Teachers can co-teach as grade-level teams, grouping students by readiness levels, and the layout allows learning to flow naturally between spaces.

Flexibility is embedded throughout the building. Mobile walls between learning studios and commons enable the seamless transition between independent study, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary teaching.

A diverse mix of spaces supports a wide range of activities—from maker-based exploration and team projects to quiet reading and small group instruction. Learning studios are equipped with adaptable furniture and integrated technology, ensuring they can be easily adjusted to meet changing needs throughout the day.

The heart of the school is defined by central gathering spaces, including a café and commons that serve as hubs for dining, assemblies, and community events. These spaces extend outdoors, reinforcing the connection between learning and environment while providing additional areas for eating and socializing.

Flex Studios adds another layer of adaptability, enabling the school to absorb enrollment shifts without sacrificing essential support functions.

Together, these design strategies ensure Aspen Grove Elementary will remain responsive, resilient, and supportive of innovative teaching and learning for years to come.

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Additional Credits

Education Planner: Fielding International

Photographer: Justin Miers

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