Physical Environment

When implementing innovative learning models, schools must look to create and maintain flexible physical environments that are conducive to, and structured to deliberately support, student-centered learning.

Below, find strategies and resources for:

Flexible Classroom
Physical Layout
Safety

Photo of classroom and students with closeup of sign "Maker Space"

Roots Elementary

Learning Zones

Highly intentional use of space to create a variety of learning opportunities

Photo of classroom with creative furniture and design

CICS West Belden

Creative Furnishings and Spaces

Special seats and places to offer choice and engage

Photo of group of students working together at a table

CICS West Belden

West Belden's Open Doors

Opening traditional classroom entries and exits to expand learning space and options

Adult sits among a circle of students, smiling

Creating In-Person Opportunities for Virtual Students

Connecting in-person with peers and teachers

Liberty Public Schools

Multi-Grade Level Classrooms

Multi-grade classrooms provide flexibility with frequently shifting numbers of students attending in-person classes and foster teacher collaboration

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District

Community Cares Program

Building deep partnership to ensure students experiencing homelessness have a place to learn during virtual school days

Student sitting on lounge chair in classrom, with laptop beside her, while working on assignment

Advice: Vision First, Facilities Second

Space decisions should be aligned with an overall vision for teaching and learning

Four female students sit on floor, bean bag chairs while working on laptops

Lovett Elementary School

Trust-System, Modular Furniture, and Flexible Work Spaces

Structures, resources, and systems to allow for greater student agency with traditional spaces

Meriden Public Schools

Leveraging Community Partnerships To Build a City-Wide Plan

District and city partnership to create outdoor in-person learning spaces

Wide view of classroom where students look on as one student at front of table speaks

Locust Grove Middle School

Assessment Labs

Large classrooms designed for students to take assessments in and work through online content with minimal instructional support

Select Practice Area

Flexible Classroom