River Grove Elementary School Lake Oswego School District | Lake Oswego, Oregon

A fully electric school focused on student wellness and resilient design.

The reimagined River Grove Elementary School is a thoughtful, environmentally progressive replacement of the original elementary school on the site, built in 1967.It is a fully electric, certified path-to-net-zero building. A collaboration between the school district, design team, and local utility provider enabled further innovation by developing a microgrid design, one of the first American schools to feature this innovation and playing an active role in the state’s effort to reach zero carbon energy production by 2040.

The design of the new River Grove Elementary School was the result of a collaborative effort involving students and teachers, with the aim of improving student wellbeing and facilitating teaching and learning. Embracing the stunning natural surroundings, the building plan supports an educational experience that extends beyond the confines of the classroom, fostering a greater connection to the environment. By addressing the challenges of a fragmented school community caused by the previous facility layout and the impact of a global pandemic, the new design aims to create a cohesive and connected environment.

The design meets the new elementary school standards established by the Lake Oswego School District’s 2020 Elementary Educational Specifications and provides classrooms, extended learning areas, an innovation lab, music room, stage, library, administration offices, gymnasium, outdoor covered play area, outdoor learning spaces, and play fields.