Raymond Elementary School

Raymond Elementary School demonstrates how historic preservation and ambitious sustainability goals can work together to create an inspiring, future-focused learning environment.

Originally constructed in the 1920s, the Washington, DC school is a valued neighborhood landmark. STUDIOS Architecture, working with DC Public Schools and the DC Department of General Services, reimagined the campus to support contemporary education while preserving the character and history that connect generations of students to the building.

The modernization restores the historic school and replaces an outdated 1960s wing with a new 50,000-square-foot addition housing classrooms, a library, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. Rather than competing with the original architecture, the addition establishes a contemporary but complementary identity, creating a unified campus organized around light-filled, welcoming spaces for learning and community.

Sustainability is integral to the design. More than 100 geothermal wells, solar canopies, high-performance building systems, and energy-efficient strategies support the school's LEED Gold certification and Net Zero Energy ambitions. The project was also designed to meet WELL standards, placing student and educator health and well-being at the center of the experience.

The result is a school that honors nearly a century of history while preparing students for the future. Raymond illustrates how design can preserve what a community values, dramatically improve environmental performance, and create joyful, equitable places where children can learn, explore, and belong.

Awards:
2024 AIA|DC Awards of Excellence in Architecture — Chapter Design Award, Winner