Little Dutch Academy

The new 30,000-square-foot facility provides a secure, welcoming, and joyful envi­ronment that supports learning, development, and well-being for three and four-year-old learners. The facility responds to the significant shortage of early childhood care in the area. Project funding by way of a bond referendum was widely supported. Owned and operated by the public school district, the facility will also serve as a feeder school to boost district enrollment for years to come.

The building’s secure entrance supplies clear sites lines to bus and parent drop-off lanes. Ten classrooms for 16-20 students each form the building’s north and south perimeters. Each classroom shares a restroom and storage room with the adjacent classroom. An alcove gives teachers flexibility for small group instruction. Outside the classroom, alternative learning spaces include daylit learning pods and a play studio designed for flexibility and gross motor activities.

A daylit multi-purpose play space forms the building’s nucleus. Playful casework delineates the north edge of this space and provides storage for teachers and discovery for students. To the south, floor-to-ceiling windows visually connect the multi-purpose space to the protected play porch and playground beyond. These spaces are activated with colors and patterns inspired by tulip fields of the Netherlands, a nod to the town’s rich Dutch heritage.

Vertical metal panels, locally sourced brick, and perforated metal panels form the building’s exterior palette. These materials recede to bring emphasis to the shingled multicolor metal tiles that accent recesses across the north and south elevations and tie to the interior palette. Perforated metal panels reduce sun glare and provide veiled views where needed.