October 3rd, 2018 by Jeanette Scarsdale, Marketing Coordinator
The Will Smith Zoo School is the largest nature-based preschool in the country, where children spend more than half the day outdoors and visit the San Antonio Zoo daily.
Earlier this year, San Antonio, TX became home to the largest nature-based preschool in the country, the Will Smith Zoo School, located directly next to the San Antonio Zoo.
DBR worked with Lake Flato Architects and Guido Construction to renovate the existing building into a flexible learning environment for up to 160 students who spend at least half the day outdoors.
The majority of the existing MEP systems in this 20,900 square foot facility were demolished and replaced and DBR’s Sustainability Department provided LEED® Consulting and Energy Modeling services. The school boasts several energy-efficient design features, including low-flow fixtures and solar panels, and is on track to become the first USGBC LEED Platinum® pre-school in the United States.
Named for a Zoo Board Member’s late son who loved the outdoors, students are encouraged to use their imaginations and get messy daily. They are also able to visit the zoo regularly, grow food to feed the animals, and learn about conservation and sustainability.