CREW CT 2025 Blue Ribbon Brochure

Farmington High School

Farmington, CT

A cornerstone of the community, Farmington High School is a transformative, three story, 238,400 SF educational facility that seamlessly integrates innovative design, sustainability, and community engagement. Built on a bustling campus shared with the town hall and library, the school maximizes natural light and blends harmoniously with the scenic Farmington Valley, creating an inspiring environment for students. Innovative Design & Functionality: The school is structured into efficient, compact Learning Communities, with classrooms, science rooms, and breakout spaces fostering collaboration. Open areas, flexible furniture, and strong connections to the outdoors encourage creativity, while quiet zones support focused study. Specialized spaces, such as the Edge Studio for multimedia production, career technical education labs, and arts facilities, enhance student learning. Recognized by the State Education Commissioner, TSKP’s design sets a high standard for academic excellence, ensuring a supportive and dynamic space that prepares students for global citizenship. Community Impact: As the largest construction project in town history, Farmington High School is a hub for both education and public engagement. The cafeteria and main corridor serve as gathering spaces for after-hours events, reinforcing the school’s role as a community focal point. The project also provided real-world learning experiences, with students exploring careers in construction through the O&G Builds program which hosted guided site tours and interactive lectures with industry professionals. Additionally, local first responders utilized the old school building for SWAT, fire, and police training before demolition, further integrating the project into the community. Challenges & Collaboration: The project overcame multiple referendums, with strong community involvement ensuring its success. A design competition allowed residents to participate in shaping the school’s vision, fostering confidence in the final selection. Financially, while costs rose, a revised reimbursement rate lessened the burden on taxpayers, making the $145 million project feasible. The school’s completion marked the culmination of bipartisan collaboration at local and state levels. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal praised the town for demonstrating the power of community-driven efforts, calling the school “a modern-day miracle.” Sustainability & Future-Ready Features: Farmington High School is built for longevity, prioritizing energy efficiency with modern HVAC systems, durable finishes, and extensive natural daylighting. These features create a healthy, sustainable learning environment that supports student well-being. A Model for Educational Excellence: With its forward-thinking design, functional adaptability, and deep-rooted community impact, Farmington High School stands as a model for future educational facilities. It exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and sustainability—qualities that make it a distinguished contender for the CREW CT Blue Ribbon Best in Class: Education award.

Owner — Town of Farmington

Project Size — 238,400 square feet

Project Team — O&G Industries, TSKP Studio

14 Blue Ribbon Awards 2025