Last month, Northshore School District hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Ruby Bridges Elementary School. The event also included student-led guided tours, performances by the school’s Marimba Ensemble and Choir, and presentations from 5th-grade students, who shared their gratitude for a school built on diversity and inclusion.

The District acknowledged its desire to celebrate belonging and named the elementary institution in honor of Ruby Bridges, who broke down racial barriers in 1960 when she became the first Black student enrolled at what had been an all-white school in New Orleans.

The new 3-story 76,00 square feet building is designed to accommodate 550 students. It includes 34 classrooms, an administrative office, a library, a gymnasium, a commons/cafeteria area, and a fully inclusive playground.

The design team implemented various features to support the District’s environmental commitment. An electrical plug load management with sweeping shut-off, geothermal wells, ground source heat pumps, and efficient insulation and windows were installed to reduce energy consumption. Also, wood harvested from the site was used to build window seats, benches, and column wraps.

We’re thrilled to have partnered with Dykeman Architects for this project!