Many traditional school designs include spaces that go unused for large chunks of the day.

Think back to where you went to high school. Did spaces such as the gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, or music room sit empty for good portions of the day? For many schools across the country, the answer to that question is yes.

It's unfortunate, because even when these spaces are unoccupied, they still consume resources such as electricity, heating and cooling, and additional technology. But including multipurpose spaces can reduce utility costs and minimize space downtime. That's the exact mindset that Valley Christian High School had when they created their brand new Student Union Space. They plan to use the space in many different ways including a meeting room for teachers, a space for study hall where kids can spread out, and even after school events such as pep rallies and tailgates before games.

Valley Christian Schools has embraced the concept of "big school things" - the idea that the districts wide range of academics and experiences will challenge and equip their students for the future. This concept follows studies that have shown for decades that classroom techniques designed for collaboration in the learning process produce better outcomes at virtually all levels.

Their new multipurpose student union space has helped them take that next step, but this isn't a new idea the district has adopted. Valley Christian offers many different programs that help support students even with the changing landscape and demands of the job market.

One of those programs includes their rigorous STEM program in state-of-the-art facilities designed to better equip students for tomorrow’s challenges. This begins in Kindergarten and develops with four distinct pathways for high school students because America is on pace to experience a shortage in qualified engineers, scientists, and math-based professionals within the next decade. 

Established in 1982, Valley Christian School in Chandler, Arizona is a nationally-ranked Christian high school, junior high, and elementary school located across multiple campuses in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The school's mission is to equip students to be culture changers for Christ by delivering academic excellence, facilitating spiritual growth, and building lifelong community.

Location: Chandler, AZ

Project Scope: Full School Renovation

Project Completed: 2021

Number of Learners Impacted: 1000

Designers: Kevin Foote

Manufacturers: MiEN Company