• site map for the new Truman Elementary
  • rendering of the exterior of Truman Elementary
  • cross-section of the new Truman Elementary

After almost 50 years as an open concept school, Truman Elementary is about to embark on its next chapter: a brand-new building with capacity for approximately 720 students.

The design of the new two-story Truman meets the themes expressed by staff, students, parents and community members. Highlights include:

  • Secure entrance
  • Nearly 40 classrooms—two designated for special education
  • Breakout project spaces for hands-on activities and learning
  • Dedicated music, art and creative movement areas, with a space between the art room and media center for projects
  • Secure interior courtyard surrounded by spaces for music, art, creative movement and media
  • Dedicated fitness area, called the fitnasium, located adjacent to the commons with direct access to outdoor play areas
  • Dedicated Family-Community Resource Center easily accessible from the main entrance
  • Large commons with a platform appropriate for elementary student performances
  • Large learning stairway extending the media center into the heart of the school, with room for large group presentations and small group work along the sides of the stairway
  • Covered play area, playground equipment and areas for kids to play in nature

Larger shared spaces such as the commons and gymnasium can be rented by community groups for use after school hours. For safety purposes, the new school’s design allows for some separation between classrooms and community areas.

The new Truman will sit on the same parcel of land but be located to the south end of the property. To improve traffic flow, buses will pick up and drop off students along NE 44th Street. Parent pickup and dropoff, as well as an expanded parking lot, will be available off 42nd Avenue.

Construction is slated to begin in January 2019, with a projected opening in fall 2020.

Take a tour inside the school

Note: While the design plans are final, not every single element depicted in this video is confirmed.