Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg School District 7

The 420,000 SF, two-story Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg School District 7 was funded through a voter-approved referendum. Inspired by schools in Finland, the design encourages a broad range of collaboration styles and teaching methods. In addition to traditional classrooms and laboratories, multiple “collaboration areas” provide space for breakout sessions, meetings, and open-space dialogues. This approach to education design provides a strong foundation for students to enter a workforce that values teamwork.

Also included in the design are a 2500-seat athletic arena, 1000-seat performing arts complex, athletic fields, student center and cafeteria, and multiple outdoor courtyards. A strong bond between surrounding neighborhoods and the district was a factor in the programming. Spaces are designed to operate exclusive of the school so the public can make use of the PAC for events.

The school has a full complement of fine arts spaces to allows students to pursue opportunities in music, song, and acting. As a vocational hub, it offers teaching opportunities for theater and music-related craftsmanship, such as scene construction, instrument repair, and audiovisual technique. The school also offers spaces for vocational programs such as Junior ROTC, entrepreneurial leadership, and information technology.

Security design includes secured entries, courtyards, 300 security cameras, and 65 monitors which can be updated remotely with emergency alerts.

The school’s sustainable elements earned it two Green Globes by Green Building Initiative. Project management, ecological impacts, landscaping, energy-efficiency, water consumption, and irrigation were all factors that went into the sustainable design.

Check out our podcasts featuring Spartanburg School District 7 Superintendent Dr. Russell Booker!

Certified: 2 Green Globes® by Green Building Initiative® (GBI)