Bolden Elementary/Middle School
Department of Defense Education Activity
Serving families living at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s Laurel Bay Military Community, Bolden Elementary/Middle School was designed to replace two outdated facilities with a modern learning environment for 450 students in grades 3-8. Guided by the Department of Defense Education Activity’s (DoDEA) 21st Century Education Facilities criteria, the school supports a flexible and collaborative approach to teaching and learning.
LOCATION Beaufort, SC
COMPLETED 2016
SIZE 104,230 SF
SUSTAINABILITY LEED Platinum
Learning Neighborhoods Designed for Collaboration
The school is organized into smaller-scale learning neighborhoods that provide a variety of academic spaces to support different teaching methods and learning styles. Collaboration hubs form the center of each neighborhood, surrounded by classrooms, small-group project spaces, and areas for individualized instruction. Supporting spaces include a cafetorium, gymnasium, art and music classrooms, administrative offices, counseling and health suites, and other essential facilities that contribute to a fully integrated educational environment.
Flexible, High-Performance Learning Environment
Designed to support performance-based learning, the facility incorporates adaptable learning spaces, technology integration, and opportunities for students to engage with the building as a learning tool. The two-story building was designed to meet the energy-saving requirements of EPACT 2005 while aligning with LEED Silver criteria. Its high-performance envelope, mechanical systems, and lighting strategies contribute to a sustainable and efficient environment that supports both student success and long-term operational performance.
