Though larger in square footage, the new Curtis Junior High School has reduced site impact due to a more compact design than the original “California Campus” it replaced. The new school has two academic wings, separated by a central courtyard and connected by a pedestrian bridge. The classroom wings are flexible and can accommodate multiple educational models. Auxiliary rooms within the academic zones allow for small group instruction and break-out spaces for student leadership development related to the various academic programs. Folding partitions at four locations are evenly dispersed for program flexibility and easy reconfiguration of space. Sustainable features make the building a teaching tool for math and science curricula. Water conservation – including rainwater harvesting, rain gardens and a green roof led the environmental charge, and daylighting, natural ventilation and recycled materials are incorporated throughout. The building encourages everyone to “go green” – from high efficiency lighting and daylight control systems to signage at the parent drop-off encouraging drivers to turn off their engines while they wait.