Welcome to Garden City School, perhaps an unsuspecting place for a radical leap forward in what school can be.
By: Nathan Strenge
In the heart of Cranston, Rhode Island, Garden City School is redefining what it means to attend a public school. At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to meet the diverse needs and talents of today’s students, fostering an environment where holistic wellness, joy, and exploration are at the forefront.
Several years ago, the Cranston community rallied around a visionary idea: to create a school that not only adapts to the evolving needs of its students but also serves as a beacon of what 21st-century learning can achieve. The call was clear—develop a learning space that students are excited to attend, one that sparks joy and a sense of empowerment among its learners and educators alike.
Partnering with Fielding International, renowned architects and educators, Garden City School underwent a transformation. The result? A state-of-the-art facility that opened its doors in the fall of 2023, embodying the very essence of a future-ready school. This new space supports meaningful collaboration among teachers and encourages the development of authentic learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
Through a series of short films, you can go on a virtual tour of Garden City School, showcasing its five distinct learning communities. Each segment aims to highlight how their innovative design and educational philosophy create a nurturing environment tailored to personal growth and academic excellence.
Film 1: Life of a Future-Ready School
See it for yourself. Experience the spirit of Garden City School and witness the fluidity of space as it adapts to the needs of every learner. Soar through the hallways and classrooms in action, capturing every angle of its innovative design in this introductory video to the “Welcome to Garden City: The Future of Education” film series. This one-of-a-kind fly-through perspective offers an intimate look at how modern design fosters connection, creativity, and community.
Film 2: How Does the Building Improve Teaching and Learning?
In this film, hear directly from the Principal, Bryan Byerlee, and his team of educators on how Garden City School’s unique layout creates a powerful learning environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and success. Discover how carefully crafted spaces and a strong Learning Community model come together to create an environment where every student thrives and reshapes itself is reshape education for the better.
Film 3: A Day in the Life: The Student Experience
Hear directly from those who live it every day—experience Garden City School through the eyes of two of its fourth graders, Andre and Avnita. Discover how flexible learning spaces, student choice, and strong teacher relationships create an engaging and dynamic educational experience.
Film 4: A Day in the Life: The Teacher Experience
Follow second-grade teachers, Holly Chittim and Kristie Cipalone, as they take you inside Garden City School to reveal how a flexible, learner-focused environment transforms their teaching. Experience firsthand how they navigate a day in a space designed for collaboration, creativity, and student success. See how this unique environment, with its innovative design and student-centered approach, enhances their teaching methods and supports every learner.
Film 5: Leveraging Time and Space in a Learning Community
See the optimization of time and space at Garden City School, where learning is reimagined through fluid, student-centered environments. Animated diagrams and educator insights reveal how this innovative approach fosters creativity, autonomy, and enhanced engagement within a cohesive learning environment.
Film 6: Shifting from the Traditional Classroom to a Learning Community
Witness the transformation at Garden City School through the eyes of its teachers as they navigate the shift to a Learning Community model. Discover the challenges they faced, the lessons learned, and the support from Fielding International that revitalized their teaching practices and enhanced student learning.
Film 7: Student Voices: What Makes Our School Special
Want to know what makes Garden City School so special? Let the students tell you! In their own words, discover how this new school environment fuels their love for learning, creativity, and community. Their perspectives will show you why this place is so unique and allows you to experience the excitement of learning in a space designed just for them.
Film 8: Bringing the World to Cranston
Step into Garden City School with the Global Learning Commons, a networking initiative hosted by Fielding International. This in-person tour brings together educational leaders to witness firsthand how a cutting-edge school design can revolutionize learning, providing ideas that could shape the future of education worldwide.
Nathan Strenge is a Senior Learning Designer at Fielding International, where he works with school communities around the world to create environments that foster creativity, collaboration, wellness, and belonging.