Martínez Early Learning Center

Martínez Early Learning Center is 79,000 square feet and accommodates 550 students. It is the inaugural pre-kindergarten center for the district and the prototype for a sister campus and future iterations.

The school is inspired by a village concept—a theme that appealed to the district as it reflects the community’s farming roots and recalls a close-knit community of shared resources, connection, and friendship. There are two villages that are parallel in configuration and programming and work in tandem to serve the large student population. Villages are comprised of three neighborhoods which tie to themes of Discovery, Inquiry, and Voyages.

The district worked with a museum consultant to curate classroom experiences for literacy and numeracy with a high-level of tactile, visual, and auditory stimulus. There is a focus on learning how to work with each other and to be helpful, kind members of the community. While classroom experiences are vibrant, multi-purpose space is more muted to reinforce focus and calm needed for structured activities such as dining, instruction, and queuing.

The district wanted playgrounds to be fully enclosed within the shelter of the building. The increased security shielded students from nearby roadway traffic and public visibility, minimized environmental pollution, and enhanced indoor/outdoor connection opportunities.