Half Day Tour B

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Buses load at the Sheraton

11:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Buses load at the Convention Center

Learning Objectives:

Evaluate the Integration of Sustainable Design Strategies in Urban School Environments. Analyze how sustainable architectural features—such as solar power, real-time energy monitoring, outdoor classrooms, and water conservation systems—enhance environmental literacy and model stewardship within a student-centered educational setting.

Explore Flexible and Adaptive Learning Environments for K–8 Education. Examine how design elements like breakout spaces, flexible classrooms, and “school-within-a-school” neighborhood models support developmental learning, student agency, and collaboration across grade levels.

Understand the Role of Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity in Promoting Experiential Learning. Assess how features such as gardens, nature trails, learning stairs, and treehouses create dynamic transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting hands-on, project-based learning and whole-child development.

Investigate How Architecture Can Transform Legacy Campuses into Future-Ready Schools. Explore how thoughtful design—grounded in stakeholder engagement and community heritage—can reimagine existing school sites into award-winning, innovative campuses that balance tradition with forward-thinking educational practices.

Sky Crossing

3300 E Sky Crossing Way, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Sky Crossing Elementary School, established in 2021, is the newest campus in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, serving preschool through sixth grade in the growing Sky Crossing community of north Phoenix. Built on land donated by Cave Butte Development Partners, the 88,500-square-foot school accommodates approximately 750 students and feeds into Explorer Middle School, Mountain Trail Middle School, and Pinnacle High School. Known for strong academic performance, Sky Crossing offers a STEAM-focused curriculum that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. The school emphasizes positive behavior through its PBIS program, “Earn Your WINGS,” and provides early learning opportunities such as Little Scholars Preschool and SUN Kids Preschool, as well as before- and after-school care through the district’s Mascot Club. Its special education department offers individualized support for students with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive environment. Supported by an active Parent–Teacher Organization, Sky Crossing benefits from strong community involvement, fundraising, and enrichment programs that enhance classroom resources, field trips, and library collections, contributing to a vibrant and well-rounded educational experience.

Building on the District’s larger vision, the design took inspiration from the surrounding natural aesthetics and desert washes. Buildings are sited to allow for views of the nearby mountain ranges while addressing the street and a neighboring community center. Between buildings, a shaded canyon style courtyard is positioned to take advantage of warm weather breezes. The secure outdoor area includes spaces for classes to collaborate and project areas for the makerspace to spill out into the fresh air. Spanning between the classroom wings and crossing above the student population flow is a “sky bridge” that houses the library within the truss space. Embracing the design vision, the school was named Sky Crossing with an aviator mascot and integrated theme.

Project Team:
Architect: DLR Group
Contractor: CORE

Quick Facts:
Grades: K-6
Size: 88,500 sf
Year Completed: July 2021

Larry C. Kennedy Elementary

2702 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Larry C. Kennedy School is a public K–8 institution located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, within the Creighton Elementary School District serving a diverse population of approximately 359 students, the school recently reopened for the 2024–25 academic year with a newly constructed, state-of-the-art campus designed to emphasize sustainability and innovation. The new facility features outdoor classrooms, gardens, nature trails, and a signature treehouse, creating a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that blends Arizona’s academic standards with hands-on, project-based instruction. These features support a broader focus on environmental stewardship, including water conservation, recycling initiatives, and solar-powered systems that allow students to monitor energy use in real time.

Recognized for its innovative approach, the school’s new campus earned the K–12 Education Project of the Year award from the Real Estate and Development Awards. Through its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and experiential learning, Larry C. Kennedy School is redefining what education can look like in an urban setting.

The Creighton Academy

2802 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Creighton Academy is a historic K–8 school in Central Phoenix, fully rebuilt in 2020 to feature flexible learning spaces, “learning stairs” with slides, and new athletic and community features. Creighton’s had a complete transformation, and SPS+ Architects led the redesign alongside key stakeholders, including Skip Creighton. We crafted a visionary “school-within-a-school” concept, dividing students into distinct learning neighborhoods tailored to their developmental needs. Our design integrates expansive outdoor spaces with indoor classrooms, creating seamless connections that encourage exploration and hands-on learning. We also incorporated breakout areas to foster collaboration and teamwork. This innovative environment supports holistic growth—academic, social, and emotional—preparing students for future challenges while honoring the school’s legacy.

Quick Facts:
Grades: K–8
Rebuild: Completed Summer 2020
Campus Size: 3 two-story buildings, gym, cafeteria, outdoor learning areas
Academics: Spanish immersion school
Facilities: Central learning stair/slides, maker spaces, gym, amphitheater, garden
Students: ~300–350
Notable: Merges historic roots with innovative, student-centered design
Contact: District Office at 602.381.6000 or Scott Wells at 602.908.0623

LearningSCAPES 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Venue

Phoenix Convention Center
South Building
100 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Dates

October 29-November 1, 2025

Contact

Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840