Franklin Elementary School
The new net-zero ready Franklin Elementary School is a whimsical, child-scaled learning environment and a showcase for accessible design principles. A direct outcome of HMFH’s educational master plan for Newton Public Schools, the design prioritizes equitable education across the district.
Newton, MA
70,000 sf
K-5
396
40 geothermal wells
The neighborhood school’s two wings, one home to shared programs and the other to academics, embrace a central playscape, welcoming students, teachers, and visitors alike. Thoughtfully developed with universal design principles, the landscape, play area, and school are fully accessible, ensuring an inclusive learning community for all students.
As the heart of the school, the main lobby is a lively, light-filled space with patterns and design elements inspired by the school’s falcon mascot and its habitat. Geometric wooden portals mark the entrances to shared spaces including the gymnasium, music room, and a cafetorium, which are easily accessible from the lobby.
The exterior incorporates phenolic paneling and large areas of curtain wall to contrast the brick façade and highlight significant programmatic spaces such as the school’s media center. With flexible and dynamic furnishings, bright pops of color, and cozy reading nooks, the media center is an inviting destination for project work or quiet reading.
Comprised of light-filled classrooms, project areas, and an integrated, district-wide special education program, the academic wing features playful forms and furnishings while maintaining clear sightlines for supervision. Three floors are organized by grade level, each with a distinct theme inspired by the school’s falcon mascot and reinforced by custom graphics to instill a sense of place and belonging. Project areas in corridors function as a hub for each grade-level community, offering breakout space for lessons outside the classroom, small group work, or individual instruction.
