Hillsdale Academy, a private school provides an alternative to public education based on academic and moral integrity. Major emphases are placed on individual attention, academic achievement and cooperative discipline to create an atmosphere conducive to thinking and learning in classrooms clustered through grade six.

The 47,600 square foot prototypical school facility is nestled into a wooded site and houses 130-150 students in grades K-12. The two story structure employs traditional forms and materials to visually and symbolically reinforce the curriculum and mission goals. The classroom wing contains nine classrooms and support spaces, with the lower grades at grade level with easy access to outdoor play areas. The building core spaces of administration and specialty classrooms (art, music and science) surround a skylit central staircase and gallery. The library, also featured in the core area, commands views overlooking the wooded site and lake beyond. The multi-purpose room, divisible for cafeteria and gymnasium functions, can be used by the community through separate after-hours entrances. A radial layout centered on the core staircase unifies building and site components to further reflect the formal image inherent in the Academy education.

Size
47,600 s.f.

Owner
Hillsdale College

Consultants

Civil/Structural/
Mechanical/Electrical
Capital Consultants Engineers
Lansing, Michigan

Food Service
E.F. Whitney, Inc.
Birmingham, Michigan

Interior Design
Olson Interiors
South Haven, Michigan

General Contractor
Foulke Construction Company
Hillsdale, Michigan