Frederick High School

Frederick, MD

Details: Classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, media center, auditorium, gymnasium, administrative spaces; TV and multi-media production lab, heritage room, technical learning spaces, special education classrooms; First high school in the county to incorporate the Linking Youth to New Experiences program; LEED Silver Certified

Owner: Frederick County Public Schools

Services: Feasibility Study, Educational Specifications, Community Involvement, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Full Design Services, Construction Administration, Building Information Modeling

The design of the new Frederick High School is intended to visually recollect the previous school building, which was of sentimental value to the community, while providing new state-of-the-art teaching and learning programs and spaces. Following the principles of 21st century education design, the new building is organized around a central core, which represents the “heart” of the building, and includes the dining, commons, and enclosed courtyard areas. Besides serving as a main public gathering and circulation space, the “heart” provides a clear circulation path through the building and can be accessed through dual entrances, creating a social hub of activity.

Flexibility was key to the design of the new Frederick High School. Spaces were programmed to adapt to varied teaching and learning styles and changing pedagogies. General classrooms function as they do in a higher education environment, able to accommodate Math, English, and French, all in the same morning. Technology is abundant through interactive panels in all classrooms and meeting spaces and facility-wide WIFI access. A variety of collaboration spaces with varying levels of privacy allow for small groups of 2-3 to upwards of 20.

What Our Clients Say

“The most valuable aspect of this building is how it intentionally fosters academic collaboration among students. The use of open-air collaboration spaces and glass-enclosed Think Tanks allows passer-by students to casually observe their peers engaged in their learning and using the spaces productively. Regardless of academic level or grade, all students feel special and collegiate working in these spaces."

–Liz Matheny, English Teacher, Frederick High School