1.
Color:
The common spaces are scattered with bold
splashes of bright primary colors to intrigue
the children and warmly welcome them into an
exciting and fascinating experience while the
soft warm colors in the classrooms provide a
serene environment in which they can focus and
learn.
2.
Design and Art:
A carefully designed network of artwork and
design techniques were incorporated throughout
the facility to fascinate, delight and appeal to
the curiosity of children. The hallways were
constructed to entertain curves, sensory panels,
art, floating mobiles, and inspirational music.
The front entrance includes a huge metal
sculpture of a rocking bird; a fountain provides
the sound and sight of falling water; and a
garden bursting with plants and flowers adds
color, texture and scent. Liquid tiles in the
floor ignite the senses and pique interest.
3.
Nature:
Nature plays a special role in the school’s
teaching and learning process. The lobby area
boasts a variety of animal life ranging from
fish and birds to reptiles, including a 1,000
gallon saltwater aquarium and an aviary with
Gouldian finches. A reptarium with water dragons
and turtles enable the children to closely
observe and try to locate the animals as they
blend in with their natural surroundings.
4.
Music:
Music is a critical part of the school’s
heritage and continues to enjoy an essential
role in the curriculum due to its connection
with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the founder of the
Suzuki method of violin. The school’s integrated
music system enables carefully selected ranges
of music to be broadcast in common areas
throughout the day. In the morning and early
afternoon hours, the music selection is serene
and inviting (e.g. jazz, classical and folk)
while the afternoon hours offer more upbeat
(e.g. rock and roll, opera, etc). In addition,
there is a dedicated music room for group and
individual music instruction.
5.
Sensory Panels:
Sensory
panels are located on hallway walls so the children
can touch and physically experience different
materials, forms, and textures.
6.
Classroom Design:
Classrooms are three to four times larger than a
traditional primary classroom to allow
flexibility such as configuring them to provide
different learning zones. Using motorized
screens, which have been emblazoned with
stimulating art, the rooms can be quickly
reconfigured as instructional needs dictate. In
addition, the rooms are designed so the children
themselves can easily configure and organize
them when appropriate.
7.
Classroom viewing areas:
Viewing areas with one-way, floor-to-ceiling
mirrors are located outside each classroom so
that parents can observe the children in
classroom activities. The one-way glass prevents
the children from being distracted by seeing
their parents and provides them entertainment in
the form of a giant mirror in the classroom.
8.
Outdoor Exercise/Play Areas:
Every inch of outdoor space was efficiently
utilized to provide efficient play and exercise
venues for the children. We designed the
playgrounds at both schools to promote play and
exploration.
9.
Indoor Exercise/Play/Instructional Area:
Each school has a large movement room for indoor
large movement activities as well as for
enrichment activities (ranging from ballet and
gymnastics to sports classes and general play
times). This room is also used for individual
and group musical instruction.
10.
Library:
There are several extensive resource libraries
which are richly stocked with a wide variety of
books, films and CD’s for both students and
staff. They also include a wide variety of
leading edge activity and learning materials
available on a rotating basis throughout the
year.
11.
Meals:
To help teach the children practical skills and
responsibilities each classroom is equipped with
plates, cutlery and dishwashers, offering a
family–style approach to meal time. The schools
are also equipped with a cutting edge commercial
kitchen and three full-time staff chefs who
prepare nutritional, meals and snacks for the
children.
12.
Security:
Security is taken very seriously at the Suzuki
School with cameras monitoring the exterior and
interior of the building and controlled access
at all entry/exit points in the facility.
Teachers and staff are also trained in various
security measures.
