Turowski2 was commissioned by a joint selection committee, including local officials and the MSBA Designer Selection Panel, to perform a study to review the existing conditions and needs of the Tisbury School in Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard.  Currently, approximately 315 students are served in this building at approximately 56,410 GSF.  The Tisbury School, a 1929 vintage school with 1938 and 1995 additions, serves Grades K through 8 as well as regional special needs programs. 

Turowski2 worked with the district to help them align their educational programs with space needs and develop options for meeting their needs in the most efficient solution. The early study included review of 6 site alternatives and dozens of design options.

A new 3-story building on the existing Tisbury School site was selected by the Building Committee as the preferred design.  The site placement of the new building was further studied as part of the Schematic Design, and it was agreed that placing the building on the eastern end of the site allows for the most flexibility of the remainder of the site.  A large, open town common stretches from the front façade of the building to the western tip of the site.  This new public space offers age-appropriate play areas, including a basketball court, outdoor learning space, a garden, and grass fields in a park-like setting.

The building’s exterior brick material is reminiscent of the original Tisbury School, while the low eaves and sloped roofs are characteristic to the surrounding residential neighborhood.  The interior of the new school offers a modern space to support Tisbury’s students and educators in meeting their educational goals.  Adequately-sized classrooms and greater flexibility of common spaces throughout the building fosters more individualized instruction and collaboration opportunities.  The new school also serves as a ‘community center’ with a separate entrance for after-hour use of the gym and cafeteria/stage.