DoDEA Fort Benning White Elementary School Replacement
Parkhill led the design charrette and developed the 1391 documents and Code 3 justification report for White Elementary School — now a fully realized DoDEA 21st Century learning environment and a focal point of the Patton Village neighborhood. The 600-student campus was built on 17 acres of terraced terrain along Custer Road, creating a signature gateway into the community.
A Split-Level Design That Embraces the Site
White Elementary features seven Learning Neighborhoods, each with four studios serving PK–5 students. Organized across a two-story, split-level layout, the school capitalizes on the natural slope of the site. The upper level includes three neighborhoods, administrative areas, dining, media, and fitness spaces. The lower level houses the remaining neighborhoods with direct access to outdoor play areas. Site elements such as an amphitheater, human sundial, echo wall, and decorative retaining walls enhance the pedestrian experience and link the school with nearby housing and future park space.
Sustainability in Action
The completed school meets LEED Silver and EPAct 2005 compliance with a 32.5% energy reduction. Key features include on-site stormwater management, a wind turbine, photovoltaic panels, and reduced light pollution — ensuring long-term environmental and educational value for the community.
