Children’s Community School

Nonprofit Montessori preschool is one of the first net-zero schools in the state, having completed its new facility after fundraising more than $1 million

Supreme Structures built a new 7,061 sq ft, net-zero facility for Children’s Community School, a nonprofit Montessori preschool that had outgrown its aging building. Designed to support hands-on learning and the school’s nature-based philosophy, the new space includes four classrooms, two outdoor classrooms, a multipurpose room, and dedicated areas for staff and storage. The project followed years of partnered planning, a successful community-led capital campaign. The completed facility expands the school’s capacity by 50 percent and provides a modern, sustainable environment for students, families and staff.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Early stage renovation and land evaluations and feasibility analyses
Collaborative design-build process
Close coordination with Focus on Energy and design teams to achieve true net-zero performance; one of the first schools in the state to do so
Montessori-inspired design with large windows, natural materials, and child-scaled elements – including a child-sized front door Supported by USDA Rural Development Community Facilities financing
Facility relieves waiting list and sustains program legacy that began in 1976

Mount Horeb, WI

Design-Build, New Construction

OPN Architects

ABC of Wisconsin 2023 Projects of Distinction Award; 2023 Dane County Climate Champion

Education & Childcare, Nonprofit

7,061 sq ft

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Children’s Community School - Younger toddler classroom — Younger toddler classroom

Children’s Community School - Open web trusses are visible throughout the building — Open web trusses are visible throughout the building

Children’s Community School - Older toddler classroom — Older toddler classroom

Children’s Community School - LED lighting was used throughout the building — LED lighting was used throughout the building

Children’s Community School - One of two preschool classrooms — One of two preschool classrooms, used for morning and afternoon classes.

Children’s Community School - All classrooms have child-height sinks — All classrooms have child-height sinks

Children’s Community School - Full-day preschool classroom — Full-day preschool classroom

Children’s Community School - High-efficiency windows were used throughout the building — High-efficiency windows were used throughout the building

Children’s Community School - Multipurpose room with interactive art installation — Multipurpose room with interactive art installation

Children’s Community School - Climbing wall — Climbing wall

Children’s Community School - Information about how net-zero was achieved — Information about how net-zero was achieved

Children’s Community School - Donor recognition wall — Donor recognition wall

Children’s Community School - Secondary child-sized entrance — Secondary child-sized entrance

Children’s Community School - Color-coded classroom doorways — Color-coded classroom doorways

Children’s Community School - Floor designed — Floor designed

Children’s Community School - Large windows incorporate the natural environment — Large windows incorporate the natural environment

Children’s Community School - One of two shared outdoor classrooms — One of two shared outdoor classrooms

Children’s Community School - Meta panel allows for magnet play and educational display — Meta panel allows for magnet play and educational display

MILESTONES

Children’s Community School - Ribbon cutting event

Children’s Community School - Make your mark

TESTIMONIAL

"Children’s Community School is a non-profit Montessori preschool founded in Mount Horeb in 1976 and I have been the business manager and board treasurer for over 25 years. As the chairperson of the steering committee, I began working on our new building project 6 years ago with a search for land and financing options. Jeff Grundahl was very helpful with our land search and provided hours of additional work assisting us in securing the USDA Rural Development financing we needed. He and the excellent team at Supreme Structures did a wonderful job of listening, communicating, and advising throughout the construction process and the result is a stunning building we can all be proud of as a new landmark in our community."

SANDRA J. CANNON

Treasurer, Steering Committee Chair

Children's Community School