Project Description
After a devastating tornado destroyed 10 Joplin schools in 2011, the District and community rallied to chart a course for uninterrupted education for their students. This effort began with rapid design and construction of the James D. MacConnell award-winning interim high school, and continues in creation of this new permanent facility being constructed on the site of the former building. DLR Group’s design for the new comprehensive high school incorporates the educational concept to prepare students for a “Career to College” experience. The center of the school known as “Eagle Alley” is where this concept comes to life. The coffee shop, student store and lease spaces offer business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Under Classmen will have the ability to peer into career pathways of interest in: Technology, Broadcasting, Sciences, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Automotive Sciences, Engineering, Medical, and Construction. Joplin High School is designed to let a student experiment with a career pathway as in-depth as he or she would like to in a flexible and collaborative environment. Technology is a seamless component of the building infrastructure and an asset to flexibility for teachers and students. The school’s landscape design provides a “park-like” setting for students and staff. Themed courtyards will encourage students and teachers to use the site with places for outdoor experiments, studying, dining and socializing. The four main courtyards are: Arts; Main Commons; Science; and Marketplace and Legacy.
The 475,000 SF high school will accommodate 2,500 students with the ability to expand to 3,000. In addition to the core curriculum, all Joplin High School students will progress through one of five career pathways, including: Business/Information Technology, Human Services, Arts/Communications, Health Sciences, and Technical Sciences. Franklin Technology Center, the traditional Career and Technical Center is integrated into the curriculum of the comprehensive high school as a career pathway delivery model for grades 9-12. The Commons is the social hub of the school and serves as the cafeteria and hospitality space for athletic activities and school functions. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services in partnership with CGA Architects.