NEW VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
New Vista High School has never followed a traditional path, and its new building reflects that same spirit of innovation.
Designed in collaboration with Boulder Valley School District and the New Vista community, this facility supports the school’s “mold-breaking” educational philosophy. As an alternative public high school, New Vista emphasizes creativity, student choice, and self-directed learning. Every space in the building was crafted to reflect these values, offering non-traditional learning environments that encourage both individual expression and collaborative exploration.
At the heart of the building is a two-story commons that serves as the school’s central hub. Surrounding this flexible, media-rich space are classrooms, breakout areas, and quiet corners that support a wide range of learning styles. Several classrooms open to balconies with expansive views of the Flatirons and CU Boulder campus, offering students fresh air and new perspectives. Instead of a traditional gymnasium or library, the school features a fitness room focused on yoga and weights, and the highly adaptable commons that doubles as a cafeteria and learning environment.
From polished concrete floors and wood ceilings to vibrant color accents and natural light, the interior material palette was selected to reflect the energy and creativity of the school community. Wall spaces throughout the building are dedicated to showcasing student work and murals created by local Colorado artists.
Sustainability is deeply embedded into the project’s design. As part of the district’s $350 million Building for Student Success bond program, the new facility is among Boulder Valley School District’s most energy-efficient buildings. Designed to reduce energy consumption by more than 60% compared to the original school, it is designed to perform 26% better than the code baseline for annual energy costs.
To enhance health, comfort, and wellness, the building includes modern LED lighting, extensive natural daylighting, operable windows, and low-VOC interior finishes. A high-efficiency HVAC system provides improved thermal comfort and ventilation, with monitors ensuring adequate fresh air levels at all times.
Additional sustainable features include:
- A solar-ready roof with future PV potential
- Over 60% of the site dedicated to green open space, including a student garden and outdoor classrooms
- An artificial turf field and drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce water use
- Over 100 new trees and low-water plantings
- Four EV charging stations available to the public after hours
- Plentiful bike parking and direct access to public transportation and bike paths
New Vista High School is a building that supports curiosity, connection, and comfort. Purposefully designed for a school that thinks differently, it reflects the vision of a community that values both innovation in education and responsibility to the environment.
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New Vista High School
sector
PK-12 Education
Location
Boulder. Colorado
Services
Planning, Design and Documentation, Interior Design, Construction Administration, Furniture Fixtures and Equipment
Size
74,830 SF
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