KIPP Inquire Elementary School

A shared home where elementary and middle school students thrive together.

The new ground-up KIPP Charter School building at 2720 Jerome Avenue sits along elevated subway tracks in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx. The building intricately positions programming of both an elementary and middle school with shared specialty classrooms in a compact geometry that expresses the individual identity of each school within a larger communal atmosphere through distinct yet complementary school entries, facade materials, and interior finishes.

© Joshua Simpson
© Marvel

The elevated train tracks provided a unique design challenge for the facade design, acoustics, and maximizing natural light.

© Joshua Simpson
Wood materials bring warmth to the centrally located security/information desk within the lobby.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
With two separate, different colored staircases, the school was designed to create a home for both elementary and middle school students while giving each its own distinct identity: yellow for elementary & blue for middle school.
© Joshua Simpson
A fully glazed lobby creates bright and welcoming spaces that support focus and connection. The design balances openness with privacy, using a gradient of glazing transparencies to maintain comfort and security.

Shared specialty classrooms and gathering spaces bring the schools together in ways that encourage collaboration and community.

Elevation along Jerome Ave © Marvel
© Joshua Simpson
The interior design prioritizes color to draw people along the corridors and create a positive learning environment, while also differentiating the middle school from the elementary.
© Marvel

With thoughtful architecture that celebrates learning and growth, the building continues to provide students and teachers with an environment that inspires curiosity.

Floor Plans, Level 02 & 03 © Marvel
© Joshua Simpson
Unique acoustical ceiling treatments provide a creative atmosphere that, alongside a floating floor slab, ensures acoustical integrity in the Music Room.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
Two play terraces provide an intimate space for kindergarteners as well as an open main play terrace framed with a dynamic steel structure for older students.

A shared home where elementary and middle school students thrive together, each with their own identity.

The new ground-up KIPP Charter School building at 2720 Jerome Avenue sits along elevated subway tracks in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx. The building intricately positions programming of both an elementary and middle school with shared specialty classrooms in a compact geometry that expresses the individual identity of each school within a larger communal atmosphere through distinct yet complementary school entries, facade materials, and interior finishes. The six-story building maximizes natural light throughout with large classroom windows, bright public gathering spaces, and a fully glazed lobby that maintains students’ privacy through a gradient of glazing transparencies.

2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Outdoor play space 190
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson 2018 N97 medium
KIPP Inquire Elementary School

The elevated train tracks provided a unique design challenge for the facade design, acoustics, and maximizing natural light.

2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson 2018 JoshuaSimpson N7 medium
Wood materials bring warmth to the centrally located security/information desk within the lobby.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Lobby and Steps comp2 442
A fully glazed lobby creates bright and welcoming spaces that support focus and connection. The design balances openness with privacy, using a gradient of glazing transparencies to maintain comfort and security.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Stairways Comp 2 541
With two separate, different colored staircases, the school was designed to create a home for both elementary and middle school students while giving each its own distinct identity: yellow for elementary & blue for middle school.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School 2018 JoshuaSimpson N12 medium
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson exteriors 091 comp 1

KIPP Inquire Elementary School

A shared home where elementary and middle school students thrive together.

The new ground-up KIPP Charter School building at 2720 Jerome Avenue sits along elevated subway tracks in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx. The building intricately positions programming of both an elementary and middle school with shared specialty classrooms in a compact geometry that expresses the individual identity of each school within a larger communal atmosphere through distinct yet complementary school entries, facade materials, and interior finishes.

© Joshua Simpson
© Marvel

The elevated train tracks provided a unique design challenge for the facade design, acoustics, and maximizing natural light.

© Joshua Simpson
Wood materials bring warmth to the centrally located security/information desk within the lobby.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
With two separate, different colored staircases, the school was designed to create a home for both elementary and middle school students while giving each its own distinct identity: yellow for elementary & blue for middle school.
© Joshua Simpson
A fully glazed lobby creates bright and welcoming spaces that support focus and connection. The design balances openness with privacy, using a gradient of glazing transparencies to maintain comfort and security.

Shared specialty classrooms and gathering spaces bring the schools together in ways that encourage collaboration and community.

Elevation along Jerome Ave © Marvel
© Joshua Simpson
The interior design prioritizes color to draw people along the corridors and create a positive learning environment, while also differentiating the middle school from the elementary.
© Marvel

With thoughtful architecture that celebrates learning and growth, the building continues to provide students and teachers with an environment that inspires curiosity.

Floor Plans, Level 02 & 03 © Marvel
© Joshua Simpson
Unique acoustical ceiling treatments provide a creative atmosphere that, alongside a floating floor slab, ensures acoustical integrity in the Music Room.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
Two play terraces provide an intimate space for kindergarteners as well as an open main play terrace framed with a dynamic steel structure for older students.

A shared home where elementary and middle school students thrive together, each with their own identity.

The new ground-up KIPP Charter School building at 2720 Jerome Avenue sits along elevated subway tracks in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx. The building intricately positions programming of both an elementary and middle school with shared specialty classrooms in a compact geometry that expresses the individual identity of each school within a larger communal atmosphere through distinct yet complementary school entries, facade materials, and interior finishes. The six-story building maximizes natural light throughout with large classroom windows, bright public gathering spaces, and a fully glazed lobby that maintains students’ privacy through a gradient of glazing transparencies.

2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Outdoor play space 190
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson 2018 N97 medium
KIPP Inquire Elementary School

The elevated train tracks provided a unique design challenge for the facade design, acoustics, and maximizing natural light.

2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson 2018 JoshuaSimpson N7 medium
Wood materials bring warmth to the centrally located security/information desk within the lobby.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Lobby and Steps comp2 442
A fully glazed lobby creates bright and welcoming spaces that support focus and connection. The design balances openness with privacy, using a gradient of glazing transparencies to maintain comfort and security.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Stairways Comp 2 541
With two separate, different colored staircases, the school was designed to create a home for both elementary and middle school students while giving each its own distinct identity: yellow for elementary & blue for middle school.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School 2018 JoshuaSimpson N12 medium
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson exteriors 091 comp 1

KIPP Inquire Elementary School

A shared home where elementary and middle school students thrive together.

The new ground-up KIPP Charter School building at 2720 Jerome Avenue sits along elevated subway tracks in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx. The building intricately positions programming of both an elementary and middle school with shared specialty classrooms in a compact geometry that expresses the individual identity of each school within a larger communal atmosphere through distinct yet complementary school entries, facade materials, and interior finishes.

© Joshua Simpson
© Marvel

The elevated train tracks provided a unique design challenge for the facade design, acoustics, and maximizing natural light.

© Joshua Simpson
Wood materials bring warmth to the centrally located security/information desk within the lobby.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
With two separate, different colored staircases, the school was designed to create a home for both elementary and middle school students while giving each its own distinct identity: yellow for elementary & blue for middle school.
© Joshua Simpson
A fully glazed lobby creates bright and welcoming spaces that support focus and connection. The design balances openness with privacy, using a gradient of glazing transparencies to maintain comfort and security.

Shared specialty classrooms and gathering spaces bring the schools together in ways that encourage collaboration and community.

Elevation along Jerome Ave © Marvel
© Joshua Simpson
The interior design prioritizes color to draw people along the corridors and create a positive learning environment, while also differentiating the middle school from the elementary.
© Marvel

With thoughtful architecture that celebrates learning and growth, the building continues to provide students and teachers with an environment that inspires curiosity.

Floor Plans, Level 02 & 03 © Marvel
© Joshua Simpson
Unique acoustical ceiling treatments provide a creative atmosphere that, alongside a floating floor slab, ensures acoustical integrity in the Music Room.
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
© Joshua Simpson
Two play terraces provide an intimate space for kindergarteners as well as an open main play terrace framed with a dynamic steel structure for older students.

A shared home where elementary and middle school students thrive together, each with their own identity.

The new ground-up KIPP Charter School building at 2720 Jerome Avenue sits along elevated subway tracks in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx. The building intricately positions programming of both an elementary and middle school with shared specialty classrooms in a compact geometry that expresses the individual identity of each school within a larger communal atmosphere through distinct yet complementary school entries, facade materials, and interior finishes. The six-story building maximizes natural light throughout with large classroom windows, bright public gathering spaces, and a fully glazed lobby that maintains students’ privacy through a gradient of glazing transparencies.

2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Outdoor play space 190
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson 2018 N97 medium
KIPP Inquire Elementary School

The elevated train tracks provided a unique design challenge for the facade design, acoustics, and maximizing natural light.

2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson 2018 JoshuaSimpson N7 medium
Wood materials bring warmth to the centrally located security/information desk within the lobby.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Lobby and Steps comp2 442
A fully glazed lobby creates bright and welcoming spaces that support focus and connection. The design balances openness with privacy, using a gradient of glazing transparencies to maintain comfort and security.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson Stairways Comp 2 541
With two separate, different colored staircases, the school was designed to create a home for both elementary and middle school students while giving each its own distinct identity: yellow for elementary & blue for middle school.
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School 2018 JoshuaSimpson N12 medium
2018 KIPP Inquire Elementary Affirm Middle School Joshua Simpson exteriors 091 comp 1

Location

Bronx, NY

Client

KIPP NYC / DBI Projects (Owner's Representative)

Typology

Size

96,000 SF

Design Team

Lissa So, Danielle Cerone, Sharon Kim, Emily Richards, Eduardo Llinas, Josh Schecter

Consultants

Silman (Structural Engineer), Polise Consulting Engineers (Building Systems Engineer), MFS Consulting Engineers (Civil Engineer), Lumen (Lighting Designer), CBA Elevator Consultants (Vertical Transportation), MW-Skins (Façade Consultant), Shen Milsom & Wilke (IT, AV, Security, Acoustics), 2Ki Architects (Food Service Consultant), Construction Specifications Inc. (Specification Writer), JM Zoning (Expediting, Code, Zoning), Steven Winters Associates (Accessibility Consultant)