Nestled between meadows and forests, The Little School provides elementary education that cultivates authentic learning in community and the natural world, amplifying curiosity, and expanding each’s child’s sense of self and belonging. Play, collaboration, and exploration inside and out have been integral components of the program since its founding in 1959. To emulate these ideals, The Little School selected Studio Meng Strazzara to expand the use of their existing campus to better serve students, faculty, and families.
SMS worked closely with the TLS Campus Planning Committee to gather feedback from questionnaires, surveys, community events, and staff workshops. The Committee identified, discussed, and prioritized criteria for the new campus master plan. These ideas were synthesized with a design anchored in the values of the school—one that enhances the unique curriculum, promotes environmental stewardship, and accommodates future growth.
Project Architect Kris Feliciano reflected on this collaboration: “We were in the initial stages when one of the teachers slipped me a note that said ‘Play is the work of children.’ I kept it taped to my wall as a touchstone from design through construction.”
The expansion includes 18 additional parking stalls, improved vehicle queuing, extended fire lanes, and renovations to the existing Meadows, Woods and Cedars buildings. Meandering footpaths evoke a walk through the woods while improving circulation between buildings. Stump stools enhance outdoor gathering spaces and a new commons area rests in the heart of the campus. A small outdoor amphitheater with tiered seating features spiraling inlaid bricks engraved with donor names. Importantly, the landscape design retained mature trees and vegetation to reinforce the organic character of the school’s natural setting. “All of this work was for the children,” Feliciano said. “We created spaces where they can be themselves, explore, get dirty, learn, and play.”
The most prominent addition is the new Rivers Building—a single-story, 14,808 sf multipurpose facility that serves as a gateway to the campus. “We needed a building that reflected our values and program,” said Head of School Julie Kalmus. Extensive use of wood in the columns, details, and open scissor trusses echo the forests surrounding the campus. Large skylights and clerestory windows provide an airy atmosphere. All students, staff, parents, and visitors enter from either end of the lobby, which can fully open to the outdoors using operable glazed walls.
The new building includes an entrance lobby with a sitting area for parents and visitors, gender-inclusive restrooms, and a freshwater tank where children watch salmon grow from roe to smolt. The large multipurpose room is the primary place for dynamic activities such as drama, movement, music, and assemblies. The building also features a new art studio, specialist classrooms, a teaching kitchen for light food prep, and an administration wing with staff offices, student services and conference rooms. “The building has helped us expand the depth of our program and has brought to life our commitment to community and connection,” said Kalmus.
The Little School’s new campus improvements were completed ahead of the 2021-22 school year. Students have been enjoying the new facilities, which will blend with the landscape for generations to come. “We know how we want people to feel when they engage with the school,” said Kalmus. “It’s joy.”
Photography: Andrew Storey, LightCatcher Imagery