Mark Twain Elementary School opened its doors to 450 students in December 2019 after 14 months of construction. Architects worked to design and construct an inviting building that is energy efficient and visually appealing. Precast concrete was selected for use in the exterior walls of the 65,000 square foot building.
Two schools consolidate in a larger, brighter, and more efficient replacement.
Mark Twain Elementary School expands the curriculum and provides more community opportunities by bringing together the 60-year-old Mark Twain and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools.
The 65,800-square-foot school includes learning pods between classrooms to support team activities and small-group instruction. A makerspace hosts robot building, hands-on science, and learning through discovery. A learning stair links the media center, commons/cafeteria, and gymnasium. The library is designed with large glass walls overlooking Duck Creek, a tributary of the Mississippi River. Separate bus and car drop-off areas eliminate congestion.
Within one corridor, a learning tree made from the original school’s ceiling planks represents six decades of putting students first … a focus that carries over to the new Mark Twain Elementary School.
I have been involved with Legat Architects for several projects at Bettendorf Community School District. Their expertise, professionalism, approachability, and very competitive bid packages regarding these projects is what impressed me the most. I could pick up the phone and talk to anyone involved with these projects, and they always had time to listen and clarify any questions that I had.
Paul Castro, Board Member, Bettendorf Community Schools
