The East Greenwich School District undertook a district-wide grade reconfiguration for its existing elementary schools in order to address multiple facets of its current facility deficiencies.  The grade reconfiguration resulted in the construction of two new elementary schools: Frenchtown Elementary School and George R. Hanaford Elementary School.  These two new schools allow for an increase in a student's time as part of a school community and decrease the number of facilities the District needs to maintain.  The District and community also identified priority addition/renovation scope for the East Greenwich High School in order to address the most critical facility and educational needs.

Frenchtown Elementary School is a 78,400sf new construction project serving 560 elementary school students in grades 1-5.  This school will be the largest elementary school in East Greenwich on the largest site with the most recreational fields, serving as a hub of activity for the community.  George R. Hanaford Elementary School is a 70,400sf new construction project serving 448 elementary school students in grades 1-5.  This school is thoughtfully located on the occupied site with consideration for the dense neighborhood setting and adjacent wetlands.  The design approach for the elementary schools was to develop matching schools that provide parity and equity within the District, so that all students receive the same facility advantages regardless of neighborhood.  In the schools' design, the interior educational environment is configured along intersecting circulation spines with a community-accessible program situated near the main entry.  Collaboration spaces are used to anchor the academic corridors, providing areas of light and gathering, and connecting the different grade clusters.  A coastal material palette combined with separately-themed floor-to-ceiling graphics embraces the East Greenwich environment and provides cohesion between the schools with opportunities for display of individual school identities.

The East Greenwich High School is the culmination of the school experience in East Greenwich and a priority for specific program upgrades.  Thoughtful consideration of existing conditions helped define the location of an addition that stitches seamlessly into the existing building and develops a new home for the Life Skills program with updated exterior and vehicular access.  Critical updates to the Athletics facilities provide equitable access and services for all students.  Additional focused renovations to the Auditorium and Visual Arts Suite improve not only the student experience but also community amenities.