Innovation Elementary School

The classrooms and corridors of Innovation Elementary School in Sudley, Virginia, reflect its name's emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.

Built on 19 acres of what was once Rosemont Lewis Park, this three-story school solved multiple challenges through its linear layout: it accommodates 800 students in a compact footprint, integrates technology at every turn, and maintains essential connections to both preserved parkland and neighboring homes.

A Vertical Solution

Prince William County's elementary schools typically spread across two stories. Innovation Elementary breaks this pattern as the district's first three-story design. The 130,000-square-foot building arranges grade levels into distinct vertical zones. Moseley's architects adapted this linear plan to fit sites as small as five acres while maintaining all educational functions.

Connected Learning Areas

At the building's core, a two-story collaboration area captures sunlight through expansive windows and an overhead skylight. Here, students work in teams and share discoveries. The learning stair linking the second and third floors serves multiple roles: presentation space, gathering spot, and even a story time nook where classes gather for reading.

Studios for Creation

The centrally positioned media center anchors the second floor with research tools and technology resources. Above it, a maker-space encourages experimentation and discovery. In the art room, students practice their craft both indoors and on an adjacent roof terrace, drawing inspiration from nature.

Community Integration

Masonry and metal panels blend the exterior with neighboring homes, while the building's form respects the preserved parkland beyond. The grounds feature playgrounds and athletic fields used by students during school hours and residents year-round, maintaining the property's legacy as a community gathering place.

Adaptable Blueprint

The design resolved a key challenge: creating a prototype for four potential sites ranging from five to 19 acres. By focusing on the most restricted site parameters, Moseley developed a versatile plan that adapts to different locations. This approach proved so effective that it now guides construction of Woodbridge Area Elementary School.

Educational Impact

Innovation Elementary School puts its mission into practice: students demonstrate creativity, challenge their capabilities, work collaboratively, and appreciate individual differences. The architecture supports these goals through spaces designed for exploration across grade levels. From the open gathering areas to the outdoor learning spaces, each element amplifies opportunities for discovery while strengthening community bonds.

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