Waukee Northwest High School

Waukee, IA

All projects
Exterior sunrise shot highlighting the site design
Interior view showing cafeteria, servery, and blue conference room
Science classroom looking outside
Exterior of building at dusk with reflection in water
Academic wing exterior
Media Center with books and mezanine classroom space
Art classroom with garage doors opening to light filled corridor
Exterior showing brick details and theater fly with signage
Auditorium highlighting stage and ceiling clouds
Breakout space between classrooms with soft seating
Exterior balcony space with tables
Entry at dusk with lights
Overall commons view while students are at lunch
Gymnasium with bleachers deployed and students walking the track above

Waukee Community School District is the fastest growing district in Iowa and frk is fortunate to have worked closely with the district in the planning and design of their second high school campus to meet those future needs. Over six months, frk led the district’s planning committee through a comprehensive visioning and programming process that culminated in a final design that is Future-Ready for tomorrow’s curriculum, while maintaining an equitable relationship of spaces with the existing Waukee High school.

The new three-story Northwest High School is a 390,000 SF facility that is designed for 1800 students in grades 10-12. The school is sited on a newly developed property and is designed and oriented to maximize natural views while creating safe and functional relationships between amenities on this comprehensive campus. The building’s design utilizes a student commons as a central hub, creating an open and efficient design that encourages community and interaction. Educational spaces within the building are enhanced with collaborative areas throughout for both students and staff to encourage organic learning opportunities.

Design Insight

A future ready facility was created that carefully balanced equity with the existing High School as Waukee expands to a two High School district.