Rockdale Academy in Avondale, the first new building completed under the Cincinnati Public School District's Facilities Master Plan, opened for students on Monday, January 3, 2005. The gleaming new 86,160-square-foot school was designed by GBBN and Wilson & Associates architects to provide a 21st Century learning environment for 650 students in preschool through 8th grade.
A two-story facade faces Rockdale Avenue to the north, and a three-story classroom wing points to Northern Avenue in the south. Enclosed classroom spaces are grouped in fours around a large shared area to facilitate team teaching, small-group work and one-on-one tutoring.
The state-of-the-art community learning center contains innovative classrooms that represent the latest in educational philosophy, air-conditioning and a modern heating system, a science laboratory, music and art rooms, computer technology and media center, parent center, full-service community-based health clinic and much more.
Four enclosed classrooms, 900 square feet each, surround a 1,230-square-foot Extended Learning Area (ELA), designed as flexible teaching space for students to work independently or in small groups. Each classroom and ELA features storage space, computer work stations, teacher work stations, restrooms, and a sink with a water fountain.
A fully equipped, 900-square-foot science lab includes five science workstations, each with counters and cabinets.
The library, reading area and a 25-terminal computer room are designed for easy access by students and the community. The Media Center is rededicated to Frank Perry, Rockdale's former principal.
Skylights let natural light into the 1,200-square-foot art room. The room includes a commercial-grade artist kiln.
The 6,070-square-foot, fully equipped gymnasium houses an 84-foot by 50-foot, wooden-floor basketball court with 200 bleacher seats. Four additional backboards allow cross-court practices. There are locker rooms for boys and girls.
Between the gymnasium and cafeteria is a raised stage with lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system. There are 400 upholstered folding chairs available for audiences.
The 3,800-square-foot office complex is the school's hub. The principal's office is here, along with a 370-square-foot visitor reception area. All parents and visitors stop in the office first. Also included are a parent/community room, storage, two conference rooms, a teacher workroom and a copying center.
Rockdale Academy continues its tradition of providing health services to its students with a 1,200-square-foot Community Based Health Center built into the new school. This clinic, like the clinic in the old Rockdale, is dedicated to the late Dr. Luther J. Lemon, an Avondale family physician for more than 50 years. The fully functioning clinic features a waiting area and four exam rooms.
The Parent/Community room offers seating for 28 and a refreshment center with sink, refrigerator and a microwave oven.
The newly constructed school is a neighborhood resource for the local community. Many parents, staff and community members participated in the school's creation and design.
"I applaud everyone who made this school a reality. A lot of planning has gone into this project and we are thrilled at the outcome," said Dawn D. Crook, principal.
The first new school to be constructed in the district since 1982, Rockdale Academy is one of 60 new or fully renovated schools made possible through generous support of Cincinnati's taxpayers and the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC).