Designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA), the American Canyon High School is a model of education architectural innovation. The school is organized around an elliptical campus green flanked by four Small Learning Communities, each with its own smaller courtyard. The small learning communities will ensure that students have a stronger sense of belonging, while teachers and administrators are better able to offer personalized academic and emotional support. The school is designed to meet the district’s goals for Educational Programs, Sustainable Design and to provide a civic presence for the growing community of American Canyon.
Across the campus green there is an elliptical library and administration building, flanked by a 400 seat theater and 2,500 seat gymnasium, which make up the public front to the campus. Once you get past the front, you quickly realize that ACHS is a very large campus. The site comprises 60 acres and serves 2,200 students.
The high school incorporates numerous innovative sustainable design elements including a photovoltaic solar array that will provide more than 85 percent of the campus' electricity. It also uses an advanced ground source heat pump mechanical system, extensive daylighting controls, many sustainable materials and numerous water conservation measures. Together these features make American Canyon an excellent example of green design.
American Canyon High School is the first school in California verified by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS). CHPS is a green building rating program specifically designed for K-12 schools. More photos.
