San Rafael schools STEAM ahead

Photo courtesy Off The Leash

Things are far from perfect these days, but there's still plenty to be thankful for at this time of year. And CHPS supporters out there shouldn't be surprised that school building designs that promote healthy learning and sustainability are right at the top of our list.

A great example is San Rafael City Schools new STEAM building, which opened in fall 2022. The project just this month earned CHPS Designed designation as a high performance school facility.

Designed by CHPS member Hibser Yamauchi Architects (Hy-Arch), the new science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics building includes the latest lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

According to 'Off the Leash,' San Rafael High School's student journalism website, the facility quickly drew positive reviews from students and teachers for its new classrooms, ceramics studio, two-story fabrication lab for the school’s Academy of Engineering, multiple all-gender restrooms, and outdoor courtyard. 

From a technical standpoint, the new facility provides obvious benefits. A teacher in the Academy of Engineering and Technology compared the new fabrication lab to work spaces in professional engineering firms, “conducive to innovation, learning, communication, and collaboration.” 

But it goes beyond that. One student told "Off the Leash" how the look and features of the new building "makes the campus feel a lot better." 

And that's a sentiment that shouldn't be underestimated. School building designs that help students feel better about their environment encourage better learning and well-being.    

San Rafael City Schools, a long-time CHPS member, is a great example of a district on a mission to create healthy, sustainable learning spaces for its students. You can read more here from "Off the Leash" about San Rafael's Steps on the Road to Sustainability.