
Gila Crossing Community School is a Pre K through 8 school, designed for the Gila River Indian Community. The school was a fast tracked, ground-up, design-build project that was completed in 11 months. Having worked with the Gila River Indian Community on multiple past projects, such as the Vee Quiva Casino, Wild Horse Pass Casino and Hotel, and planning for the Community's Police Headquarters, our design team was prepared to address the accomplish cultural and design initiatives in the short design-build time frame.


The design of the campus was developed from the concept of a running river, bringing life and knowledge to each piece of program, connected through a series of exterior courtyards and a meandering, tree-lined path. The elementary school and middle school have been designed with their own, age appropriate, interior and exterior spaces, and both groups share common areas that include gymnasium, dining hall and library.
A cultural and educational asset to the Gila River Indian Community, this school celebrates the living culture of the Pee-Posh and Akimel O'otham peoples. Athletic facilities and shade structures accommodate the students physical needs alongside the climate of the Arizona desert landscape. Details such as pottery and basket weaving patterns have been incorporated into brickwork and the project incorporates an extensive artwork program from Community Members.




