Valley Catholic K-8 School

The new Valley Catholic K-8 School is an elementary and middle school building designed to support the Sisters of St Mary’s mission of sustainability. Certified LEED Gold, the 500-student school features 22 classrooms, two high school-level science rooms, a library/computer learning center, cafeteria, stage, and administrative offices. In addition, it serves as the technological hub of the campus. Sustainable design techniques include high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, recycled materials, alternative transportation considerations, a green roof, and storm water management. Additionally, classrooms are lighted primarily with natural light, with daylight sensors that add supplemental high efficiency lighting when needed. These green design elements not only contribute to the building’s efficiency and performance, but they also provide learning opportunities for the students. For example, the students utilize the green roofs to study their effect on water filtration and pH levels, while the white cap sheets on the roof provide students an opportunity to learn about heat reflection. The school is not just a building, but a tool that teaches the students lessons about their impact on the environment and how sustainable design will benefit our future.