This article appeared as "An Early Learning Space" in the Spring 2024 issue of Independent School.
One in five students learns differently. And to serve neurodiverse students best, early identification and intervention are critical. To that end, Westmark School (CA), a 2–12 school for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other language-based learning differences, is expanding its lower school to increase enrollment and deliver differentiated instruction to more students at a younger age. With the January 2024 opening of the expanded facility, Westmark announced that it will begin to accept applications for first grade.
Current enrollment in the lower school is 48 students. With the new space, the school will have the capacity to enroll 100 students. But there are other benefits, too. Replacing a 1950 modular building, the new space takes into account the environment where the neurodiverse can learn best. A California sycamore is in a center courtyard, from which 10 classrooms with natural light radiate. Acoustic design in classrooms, along walkways, and on porches and patios dampens background noise and increases speech intelligibility.
The primary considerations in the design of the space included soothing colors and lighting and access to the outdoors for multisensory lessons, along with providing space for students to separate themselves from groups. Every classroom has a bathroom, and other private space allows neurodiverse students to self-regulate when needed.
A theater space and outdoor amphitheater will be used to encourage creative expression, build self-confidence, and allow for performances. It will also have a state-of-the-art occupational and speech therapy room.
“I look forward to providing a truly optimal learning environment for the youngest of our students,” says Claudia Koochek, head of school. “It matches the excellence of our academic program and will spark the bright minds of many more neurodiverse children who need access not only to our scientifically proven methodologies and curriculum but also to our nurturing community of students, families, faculty, and staff."
Westmark School, a school for students with language-based learning differences, reimagined its lower school space for enrollment and its learners.
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