Finegold Alexander is working closely with the City of Cranston during the construction phase of the newly designed 100,000 SF Gladstone Elementary School, to replace the former 1950’s-era school. With an enrollment of 798 students serving grades K- through 5, the new school consolidates Gladstone and Arlington Elementary Schools into one building.

The new Gladstone Elementary School will feature 3+ stories of teaching and learning, with an innovative design that reimagines the traditional classroom layout. Rather than arranging classrooms along a central corridor, the school is organized into six Learning Communities – each a suite of interconnected learning spaces. Every community includes a Learning Commons, Learning Studios, an Active Lab, a Teacher Collaboration Workroom, and Small Group Rooms. This forward-thinking design ensures that the entire school supports learning, collaboration, and engagement.

The project is on schedule to be complete this Spring. Check out the construction progress below.

Learning Commons

Located at the heart of each Learning Community, the Learning Commons offer flexible spaces for student gatherings, small group collaboration, and individual learning zones. Generous, strategically located windows fill the space with natural light, while interior glazing maintains visual connections between the Learning Commons and adjacent Learning Studios. This fosters a sense of openness and connectivity through the whole learning environment.

Curiosity Center

The Curiosity Center is designed to serve larger gatherings for the school. A central platform functions both as tiered seating for students during daily activities and an area for special performances, events, and assemblies.

Gymnasium

The gymnasium is on the lower level and includes a secondary entry to provide a valuable resource of after-hours use, strengthening the school's connection with the surrounding neighborhood.