School Description
Built in 1924, Fairmont Elementary School serves primarily the families in the Historic Baker Neighborhood. The education of our students is the most important factor in the Fairmont community. We place special emphasis on a loving, supportive atmosphere where students have a feeling of success. We have a strong language-enriched curriculum with an emphasis on ESL strategies. We are a Title I school participating in a Collaborative Literacy Program to increase our students’ achievement through staff development and program implementation in literacy. Our most recent changes include the development of Fairmont as a Dual Language School. We are currently offering Dual Language instruction at ECE, Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2. Fairmont has been fortunate to create several partnerships to assist in the education of our students. We have instituted several tutoring programs with local businesses and other schools to increase student achievement. The AmeriCorps project assists with ESL classes for parents as well as providing tutoring, classes and clubs for students. The Ford Foundation is working with Fairmont and other schools in the area to increase reading, writing and research skills using district standards. Our Partnership with The University of Colorado Denver provides us with updated staff development techniques used with University and Fairmont staff.
Learning Landscapes Description
An historic school and deteriorating campus occupying two city blocks used a traditional axial relationship and geometries that were compatible with the original structure and newer additions.
DCIS at Fairmont
Construction Date
August 2002
Landscape Architect
GPD Land Design
Play Equipment Vendor
Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
School Garden Sponsor
Denver Urban Gardens
Slow Food Denver
Community Garden
Master Plan
Goals
- To instill civic pride and make our school a focal point of the community.
- To provide update, safety approved play equipment.
- To Green the school.
- To create areas for outdoor learning.
Design Development
Description
An historic school and deteriorating campus occupying two city blocks used a traditional axial relationship and geometries that were compatible with the original structure and newer additions.
Illustrative Drawing
Design Development Drawings
Presentation Boards
Construction Documentation
Description from Architect
Fairmont Elementary school was designed as a learning landscape, a design concept that incorporates participatory learning elements with recreational play. The design incorporated artists to work with the community in creating art specific for the school community and neighborhood. This site also functions as a park for the surrounding urban neighborhood which lacks easily accessible green spaces. The project scope included design development, volunteer coordination, and project close-out. The volunteer aspect included over 2 acres of sod installation by the community in less than one day.
Illustrative Plan
Construction Drawings
Play Equipment
Shade Structure