Gila Crossing Community School

Designed for the Gila River Indian Community, Gila Crossing Community School is a new PreK–8 campus that celebrates culture, community and learning through an environment shaped by the traditions and landscape of the Pee-Posh and Akimel O’otham peoples. Delivered through a fast-track design-build process, the 124,406-square-foot campus was completed in just 11 months.

The campus is organized around the concept of a running river. A series of buildings, organized by grade level and use, are linked through a series of courtyards and along a gently curving path. The project brings together elementary and middle school learning communities and provides age-appropriate indoor and outdoor spaces alongside key campus amenities, gymnasium, dining hall and library/media center.

Responding to both the educational mission of the Community and the unique Sonoran Desert environment, the campus incorporates shaded outdoor spaces, athletic facilities and gathering areas that encourage year-round learning and activity. Throughout the school, architectural details inspired by traditional pottery and basket weaving patterns, together with artwork created by Community members, celebrate the living culture and identity of the Gila River Indian Community.

Completed in 2019 and certified LEED Silver, Gila Crossing Community School provides a vibrant educational environment that reflects the Community’s heritage, values and aspirations for future generations of learners.