Great Schools by Design

Great Schools by Design is a national initiative of the American Architectural Foundation that seeks to improve the quality of America’s schools and the communities they serve by promoting, collaboration, excellence and innovation in school design.

Throughout the country, Great Schools by Design engages superintendents, architects, teachers, parents, residents, students, local government officials, and other stakeholders in a far-reaching conversation about what must be done to improve the places where children and young adults learn. We strive to help create schools that both support student achievement and serve as centers of community.

Each day across the United States, more than 59 million students, teachers, and education employees spend considerable time in our nation’s 120,000 school buildings. Unfortunately, too many of these schools are aging, crowded, and in need of repair. These pervasive conditions negatively impact our children’s ability to learn and our teachers’ ability to teach.

With school enrollment forecasted to increase at record levels through 2013, and spending on school construction, renovation, and maintenance expected to total nearly $30 billion annually, the need to transform our schools has never been more urgent. Through Great Schools by Design, AAF works with communities and thought leaders to help address these important challenges.

Learn more: GSBD Website