Olympia Regional Learning Academy redefines how a school can support many paths to learning. Located on the former McKinley Elementary site, the campus brings together students from kindergarten through high school in a setting designed for flexibility, connection, and long-term performance. Set within a garden-like landscape, the school blends indoor and outdoor environments while advancing toward net-zero energy use.
Olympia School District
Merit Award, A4LE WA 2016
ORLA is organized around a simple idea: one campus, many learning models. Montessori classrooms, hybrid programs, and online learning all operate within a shared framework, supported by spaces that adapt to different teaching styles and levels of independence. Circulation and gathering areas are intentionally generous and easy to navigate, allowing students, families, and staff to move fluidly through the building while maintaining clarity and security.
ORLA is equally designed for students, as well as the families who support them. The campus is designed to support a continuous presence of families, extending the idea of school beyond students alone. Dedicated spaces for gathering, working, and participation allow parents and caregivers to remain engaged throughout the day, creating a shared environment where education is visible, accessible, and collective.
High-performance systems, daylighting, and thoughtful site integration support a healthy and efficient environment for students and staff. Designed within reach of net-zero energy, the building aligns environmental responsibility with long-term operational value, ensuring the school performs as well as it inspires.
A Shared Center for the School
At the heart of the campus, the commons and performing arts space bring the school together. Designed for flexibility and equipped with advanced acoustics and technology, it supports daily use as well as performances and community events. Surrounding spaces balance openness with intimacy, creating an environment where students can gather, focus, and explore in ways that feel both dynamic and personal.
Program Manager, ORLA
Work
