Montessori Schools of Flagstaff

Montessori Schools of Flagstaff, which operates a K-6 Montessori state charter school on their campus on Switzer Mesa, planned to add 7-12 grades. This higher level of Montessori education is a fairly new concept and unique in a state charter school context. The program called the creation of three educational “houses”. The central challenge was the tight site. The design response creates a three level free-standing building, with each level defining the “house” for grades 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12. A future gymnasium and locker addition will complete the Master plan and is expected to be built as the 11th an 12th grade house. Total new student population will be 180.

Each house features four flexible classrooms, organized around a central community room. The design anticipated winter construction and a site underlain by solid rock. Site development includes a new parking area, queuing space for the new student population and upgrade of site drainage to comply with the City’s new low-impact design standards.