South Fayette New K-2 School

Quality early childhood education shapes how students function socially and intellectually for the rest of their lives. With this in mind, DRAW designed the new South Fayette Township K–2 Elementary School to support students’ natural behaviors, curiosity, and needs while also giving teachers and staff the tools to deliver high-quality instruction.

To advance the District’s mission of honoring young learners’ curiosity, DRAW is leading the design of a school that features student-centered classrooms that foster creativity and a love of learning. For example, each classroom wing includes a “front porch” that welcomes students and creates collaborative breakout space in the hallway. In addition, all classrooms share the same, larger-than-typical dimensions, creating consistency throughout the building. The design pairs classrooms with a shared bathroom and a dedicated “back patio” for small-group instruction. As a result, paraprofessionals can support students without removing them from the classroom environment.

Supporting Students of All Needs

Equally important, the design prioritizes students who need additional care and attention. Each grade level includes a Life Skills classroom with a dedicated wet zone and sensory rooms finished with calming materials and colors. To further support students who feel overwhelmed in large spaces like cafeterias, the District asked DRAW to create quieter breakout areas nearby. In response, the team designed these spaces to resemble small restaurants, bakeries, pizza shops, and cafés—transforming the cafeteria into a miniature town square.

Throughout the building, DRAW designed hallways to feel like a children’s museum, incorporating interactive elements along the walls. Similarly, near the cafeteria, the design exposes the building’s plumbing and electrical systems for educational purposes. Instead of hiding pipes and ductwork, the team chose to showcase them so students can see how water moves through the building and how the school operates. 

Outdoor Learning and Play

Beyond the classroom, the school includes a new playground and a fully enclosed courtyard that extend learning outdoors. The courtyard features varied-texture pathways, rock streams, mounds, and a labyrinth that encourage sensory exploration and self-regulation. Additionally, an outdoor amphitheater supports STEAM and Life Sciences instruction. The playground combines turf fields, play structures, mounds, miniature roadways, storefronts, and sensory paths—all intentionally designed to reinforce the educational program.

Designing with Purpose

Ultimately, DRAW designed the new South Fayette Township Elementary School to support students’ developmental needs and nurture their curiosity. The team made each decision with empathy and intention, always prioritizing the end user. Together, DRAW and the District are creating a space that inspires inquiry about the natural world, life beyond school, and the “why” behind every day experiences.