Western Gateway Elementary School is designed as a 380 student pre-kindergarten through fourth grade elementary school in the south side of Oklahoma City. Located on the boundary between two neighbourhoods, the bilingual school offers a 'dual immersion' approach, promoting academic performance through language learning in both English and Spanish. The school aims to cultivate an environment of cultural awareness, empowering students to actively succeed in a global community.
The single storey school addresses a key intersection with an articulated brick façade and prominent corner entrance. Internally the school is arranged around a large courtyard which creates a secure and safe space for collaborative learning and play. This arrangement also provides protection from the strong Oklahoma wind and summer sun, allowing the space to be used all year round, connecting the children with nature and the changing seasons. All classrooms within the school are flexible with large open spaces benefiting from dual aspect natural light and more intimate spaces for individual of group learning.