Summers-Knoll School, the K-5 alternative Ann Arbor school that was founded by Ruth Knoll, wife of Photoshop creator Thomas Knoll, is moving into a new (and bigger) set of digs.
Leaving behind their 2,400-square-foot building on Manchester Road, the school of 42 students is relocating to Platt Road, where they have purchased a building and two wooded parcels. The new school, which will be just a stone's throw from County Farm Park, will be 20,000 square feet, allowing classrooms to accommodate 60 students next year and add three more grades, covering K-8. Summer-Knoll's five-year goal is to more than double enrollment to 130 students.
"We are considering options such as an energy playground, sustainable
energy sources such as solar or wind energy, and a continued exploration
of the benefits of providing a community hub for children outside of
school hours," says Joanna Hastings, head of the school. "We plan to take our Green School certification to a new level through sustainable design and construction."
Summers-Knoll became the first certified
Michigan Green School in Ann Arbor in 2007.
By increasing their space nearly ten-fold, Summers-Knoll sees opportunities for more dedicated learning spaces -- like science labs and performing art facilities. The building will also feature an internal open-air courtyard. Hastings particularly likes the school's proximity to a major bus route, woodland and wetland features in the nearby park, and the
Meri Lou Rec Center, which is right across the street.
Summers-Knoll centers its curriculum around project-based learning,
focusing students on themes that allow contextual exploration,
creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. They hope to open their new space and resources to the community-at-large with weekend and after-hours courses and educational opportunities.
"This new building represents a new way of thinking about independent
schools and their role in the community, as a space of convening, of idea
sharing, of learning and of curiosity for many kids instead of just the
ones enrolled during class time," says Fran Loosen, a member of the school's board.
Summers-Knoll School hopes to move into its new facility by the start of the school year but has secured an alternative space as a security net should construction take them into the end of 2011.
Full disclosure: IMG co-founder Paul Schutt is a member of the Summers-Knoll board of directors.Source: Head Of School Joanna Hastings; Fran Loosen, Summers-Knoll School board member
Writer: Jeff Meyers
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