Indoor classrooms are the most traditional learning environment and are core to the delivery of education at NMCUSD. At the same time, our district’s pedagogical model is evolving, and we are emphasizing outdoor and other non-traditional environments as we consider future facility investments.

Our ideal indoor classrooms are far from basic. To actualize our Planning & Design Philosophy detailed in the previous section, each classroom should be Flexible, Connected, Inclusive, and Sustainable. These classrooms are multi-functional powerhouses - core to our mission as a center for the community. Not only do our classrooms promote active learning and integrate arts into the day-to-day curriculum, but they also serve many functions throughout the day, week, and year for our students, their families, and our community.

Indoor Classrooms should be designed to be as flexible as possible. Even our Specialized Classrooms can be flexible, with equipment placed on wheels, portable hoods provided instead of fixed (in the case of labs), and power either spaced evenly on the floor or hanging from the ceiling. 

Because Outdoor Learning has been shown to improve learning outcomes and Indoor Learning can be greatly enhanced through connections to the outdoors (such as views of nature and access to fresh air through operable windows), at NMCUSD, our goal is to enhance existing and create new indoor/outdoor spaces and experiences on every campus.

“Outdoor learning has been proven to offer students a range of benefits, from enhancing engagement to reducing stress and promoting physical and psychological well-being. When we take lessons outside our classroom walls, we teach our children that learning can happen anywhere and anytime, promoting lifelong curiosity.” --Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Unified School District