Finegold Alexander is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new ground-up 100,000 SF state-of-the-art K-5 elementary school in Cranston, Rhode Island.

The new Gladstone Elementary School is a testament to the Cranston community's commitment to providing exceptional education opportunities for young learners. With cutting-edge facilities and innovative teaching methods, this school aims to set a new standard for elementary education in Cranston, Rhode Island. The modern design and thoughtful planning reflect the town’s dedication to creating an engaging and nurturing learning environment for all students.

The new elementary school is set to accommodate 798 students, and it will offer state-of-the-art facilities. Gladstone Elementary School will feature 3+ stories of teaching and learning, with a building design that is innovative when compared to most traditional classrooms. Instead of arranging classrooms along a central corridor, the six distinct Learning Communities are each designed as a single suite of interconnected rooms. The design team is leveraging the existing site topography to create a compact building footprint, promoting energy efficiency. The school’s layout optimizes the building’s solar orientation to maximize natural daylight and views for both teachers and students.

“Finegold Alexander has been eager to break ground on the new Gladstone Elementary School and is excited the day has finally come. This innovative design creates opportunities for each child to learn in a unique environment that suits their learning needs, and we are honored to be a part of this transformational project.” 

       -- Regan Shield Ives, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

Key attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony included prominent officials from the Cranston Public Schools, esteemed members of the local education board, community leaders, and representatives from construction partners involved in this ambitious project.

“This rebuild shows Cranston’s commitment to providing our students with a space that nurtures their talents, cultivates their passion, and prepares them for the skills they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. Cranston schools continue to set the example and today is just one more step to show everyone how great we truly are.”    

      -- Domenic Fusco, Cranston School Committee Clerk, and Ward 3 Representative

The groundbreaking ceremony featured speeches from key dignitaries, sharing their vision and commitment to the project's success. Attendees also witnessed the official turning of the soil, signifying the commencement of construction.

Finegold Alexander extends its gratitude to the entire community for their ongoing support and dedication to making this project a reality. We enjoyed celebrating this groundbreaking event and taking the first step toward a brighter future for education in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Click the link to read more about the groundbreaking ceremony in the Cranston Herald and Spaces4Learning!

Watch the Gladstone Groundbreaking ceremony below!