Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program: Bentonville K-6 School

A transformative project is underway in Bentonville! Our team recently began the design of a new K-6 public school awarded through the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program. Located on a 15-acre site in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, the project will transform the existing R.E. Baker Elementary and Old High Middle School campus into a state-of-the-art learning environment while thoughtfully preserving the historic Old High structure.

Last week, we traveled to Bentonville to kick off the project and meet with the Bentonville Public Schools Board of Education to explore the district’s vision for a transformative school model. Designed for 1,200 students, the new school will focus on hands-on learning, foster environmental stewardship, and strengthen connections within the community. The design will reflect the school’s identity while integrating walkable and bike-friendly connections to the city’s trail network, incorporating outdoor spaces that inspire exploration and play, and prioritizing sustainable strategies where feasible. The design process will engage educators, students, families, and the broader Bentonville community to shape a school that evolves alongside their needs into the future.

We look forward to sharing updates as this exciting project progresses.