Central School has long served as a community center for Downtown Helena and the surrounding neighborhoods. The new school carries on this tradition by providing community amenities including a community commons, competition gymnasium, and stage for performances. These public spaces are organized around the main entry to create a welcoming community hub for student, parents, and residents.

SMA and Helena Public Schools paid careful attention to gather community input on the design of the new school. SMA facilitated a series of community meetings to hear concerns and suggestions for the new design and provide community updates on the project development. This community input was a critical factor in the success of the project.

Due to its location at the transition between Downtown Helena and the South-Central neighborhoods to the east and south, the Central School site has long been a social gathering spot. Careful attention was paid to the site design to incorporate outdoor gathering spots for students and parents before and after school. A new entry at the west side of the site along Cruse Avenue reconnects the school to Downtown Helena.

EDUCATION