Located in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier Region near the New York border, Southern Tioga is a rural school district that traditionally operated an elementary and secondary school in each of its three primary communities. Population here continues to decline, and the already low-density population is increasingly becoming more widespread. Existing schools are not meeting their building capacities and the expense of maintaining all of the facilities is preventing the district from investing in upgrades.

Built around the district’s values of “learner-driven” and “endless possibilities,” Alloy5 spent three days exploring, surveying, and creating connections in the towns within the Southern Tioga school district. Followed by data and building analysis, the design team began the process of creating construction options that could sustain the district for years to come.

Looking to connect the northern end of the district with the southern end while being mindful of each individual’s identity and pride in their facilities, Alloy5 created a customized study that considered building conditions and educational goals against growing needs for cyber learning and flexible dual enrollment programs. Proposed solutions for a centralized facility are being reviewed to decrease transportation costs while creating drop-in hubs for distance learners.

Both the Condensed Campus and Southern Tioga Together plans present significant opportunities to emphasize and enhance elements of the district’s educational program with new, flexible space which better meets student needs. In designing these spaces, elements are pulled from the natural environment for which Tioga County is known as well as best practices seen in schools around the Commonwealth and across the country. Conceptual imagery and mood boards were presented.