On February 20, 2025, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) hosted a 30% Design Community Meeting to discuss the development of a new elementary school, designated as Site 126-E-4. This meeting provided stakeholders with insights into the project’s progress, design elements, and anticipated features.

Meeting Overview

The meeting commenced with a welcome address from District 4 School Board Member, Anna Douglas, followed by introductions led by Facilities Communications representative, Andy Orrell. Project updates were presented by architect Jordan Kager, highlighting key aspects of the school’s design and construction plans.

Site Context and Location

Site 126-E-4 is strategically positioned to serve the growing community, with several existing and planned educational institutions in its vicinity, including Horizon High School, Water Springs Elementary, Panther Lake Elementary, and Castleview Elementary. The 15-acre site is bordered by Hartzog Road to the north, Sunset Walk Drive to the south, and is adjacent to future housing developments and a planned park.

Site Plan and Design Features

The proposed site plan emphasizes efficient traffic flow and safety. Key features include separate access points for parents and buses, with parent drop-off from the south and bus access directly from Hartzog Road. The design accommodates up to 168 cars in the car stacking area and provisions for 21 buses in the bus stacking zone. Parking facilities will offer 150 spaces.

The two-story elementary school building is designed to house 834 student stations. The first floor will encompass classrooms, administrative offices, a media center, specialized labs, a multipurpose room, kitchen facilities, art and music rooms, and support areas. The second floor will primarily consist of additional classrooms and labs. Outdoor amenities include a covered play area, basketball courts, playfields, and designated tot and youth lots equipped with shade structures.

Project Specifications and Timeline

The construction budget for Site 126-E-4 is estimated at $38.6 million. The project timeline outlines a design, permitting, and bidding phase concluding by May 2025, followed by a 12-month construction period. The school is slated to open its doors to students in August 2026.

Program Elements and Sustainability Initiatives

In alignment with modern educational standards, the school will feature:

• A “Discovery” STEM Lab
• Innovative media center
• Advanced technology infrastructure
• Sustainable building systems
• Physical education amenities
• Secure single-point entry

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, aiming for a building that is 10% more energy-efficient in heating and cooling compared to standard structures. Features include high-efficiency chillers, energy-efficient LED lighting, Energy Star-rated equipment, and water-saving fixtures. The design maximizes natural daylight, with over 75% of spaces benefiting from natural light. Thermally efficient windows and glazing further enhance energy performance. The site will incorporate native, low-water plants to reduce irrigation needs and employ low-impact stormwater design strategies.

Community Engagement and Feedback

OCPS conducted a survey through Thought Exchange to gather community input on the new school’s design and features. The top recommendations from stakeholders emphasized:

1. Efficient traffic flow with clearly marked patterns in parking lots and surrounding streets.
2. Avoidance of portable classrooms.
3. Reliable air conditioning systems.
4. Modern facilities with ample space for the diverse communities served.
5. Increased parking and expansive outdoor field areas.
6. Larger activity spaces for physical education, recess, and after-school programs.
7. Designated areas for potential portables that do not encroach upon outdoor play spaces.
8. A building size that accounts for anticipated regional growth.
9. A school culture that fosters positive behavior among students.
10. Provisions for future expansion.

These insights have been integral in shaping the school’s design to meet the community’s needs and expectations.

Exciting Growth for Horizon West Schools

The development of Site 126-E-4 reflects OCPS’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art educational facilities that cater to the evolving needs of its students and the broader community. With a focus on sustainability, modern amenities, and community-driven design, the new elementary school is poised to become a cornerstone of learning and growth in the region.

For more detailed information and updates on the project’s progress, you can visit the OCPS website facilities page: OCPS Facilities. You can view the PDF presentation that was shared at this meeting here: Presentation.