Since 2012, iTech Preparatory has operated in two locations. Students in sixth through eighth grades attend school in the Bagley Downs area of Vancouver. High schoolers learn in the Clark College building on the Washington State University Vancouver campus, approximately 10 miles north. But in just a few years, the entire school will be united on approximately five acres of land at NE 50th Avenue and NE 159th Street.
The new building has reached the end of the design process. It addresses the elements requested by students, staff, families and community partners in 2015. Below are highlights of the three-story design:
- Large gathering/presentation space located near a media center on the first floor
- Collaboration spaces for project-based learning on every floor
- Conference rooms
- Dedicated classrooms, laboratories and cafeteria
- Tech-focused spaces for robotics, technology and manufacturing classes
- Art room
- Fenced fitness area on the second floor
- Secure entry
- Outdoor covered activity area
- Abundant natural light and views of the surrounding area
- Metal and masonry exterior that complements existing WSUV structures while giving iTech a unique visual identity on campus
- Water quality area provided to the south of the building to be used as an outdoor environmental learning lab
Logistics
- The new building will accommodate approximately 700 students.
- Buses and cars will access the school via NE 50th Avenue.
- Parents will be able to drop off and pick up students in front of the building.
- Free onsite parking will be provided for students, staff members and visitors.
- School hours will be 9:35 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.
- The campus will not include formal athletic fields, a stadium or stadium lights. The school may access shared fields for intramural sports.
- iTech students who take college classes at WSUV will be able to access the main campus from iTech.
- The building will provide community meeting and activity spaces during non-school hours.
- Open green space surrounding the school will be available for community use.
Construction is slated to begin late summer 2018, with the school anticipated to open in winter 2019.
Note: While the design plans are final, not every single element depicted in this video is confirmed.