Project Statement

The Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy represents a vital investment in a historically underserved part of Little Rock that has not seen significant investment in over a generation. The new facility replaces the abandoned McClellan High School with a 1,500 student K-8 school, a response to the consolidation of neighborhood schools.
One of the initial challenges is that there are only 13 acres available for the school, significantly smaller than typical acreage for a similar student population. To overcome this, and accommodate both the new building and circulation, the school was designed to be three stories. Vehicular circulation wraps all
sides with separate entry points for parents and buses, connected by a concourse that links the major public elements and separates academic and student only spaces.
In addition to the building's primary use as an educational facility, it is used to support community needs. The separation between the academic wing and major public uses including the gym, cafetorium, and media center allows the student areas to be secured from the remainder of the building, allowing it to function as more than just a school, but an asset to the whole community.
Flexibility and multi-functional spaces support the changing environment of education. Access to daylighting and views, fresh air and energy efficiency, passive and active security measures, and allowing for the evolution of the building were important goals for the design. LRSD typically operates buildings for fifty or more years, and this building is designed with longevity in mind.
The building is not just a place of study but also teaches good values through positive role models. Throughout the building there are inspirational stories of local and national women and minority leaders. There is a room dedicated to Dr. Marian G. Lacey, who taught generations of students who have become leaders and innovators in the community.