ORLANDO—SchenkelShultz Architecture is recently announced the completion of Horizon High School and Lake Buena Vista High School for Orange County Public Schools, the nation’s eighth-largest school district. Both schools will serve as centers for education excellence and provide relief from overcrowding in the Winter Garden and Dr. Phillips areas, respectively, adding 2,700 student stations at each location.

“Our goal in the design of these two campuses was to balance cost efficiency and functionality with a modern 21st century learning environment for students,” said David Torbert, Partner and Education Leader at the firm. “The multi-use academic spaces support small-scale learning communities, multi-modal instruction, and project-based learning with the courtyard providing a place to extend learning, connection, and collaboration beyond the classroom.”

Both schools were designed around a secure, centralized courtyard, with the auditorium, gymnasium, and media center located in the front for convenient after-hours use by students, parents, and the community. The administration building is also located at the front of the campus and provides a secure, single-entry point for students and visitors.

Additional security features include a full security system and cameras throughout the schools, a two-way emergency radio system, a voice evacuation fire alarm system, a permanent generator, protective fenced-lined perimeters, a secure courtyard, and card reader entrance controls.

Horizon High School was constructed by Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Pirtle Construction Company served as the contractor on the Lake Buena Vista High School project.

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