In educational terms, George Mason is a state-of the art high school. But it’s no secret that while we’re tech-savvy and progressive, our campus no longer meets the needs of the student community.
Rumors of a new high school have circulated for years, but now it seems as if a concrete plan is finally being formed. On November 13, FCCPS released the details of two campus redevelopment plans it received.
Last week, posters displaying images of modern schools from around the world hung outside of the cafeteria. Even though current Mason students know they will graduate before the project is complete, the presence of these posters sparked a discussion about what real high schoolers want in their schools.
The first thing that strikes the view of these model schools is the modern architectural style.
“Lots of open space. Lots of windows and glass,” said Hien Nguyen, freshman.
The high ceilings, big windows, skylit courtyards, and minimalist furnishings are very different from the dark corridors we are used to at Mason. When asked what they would want in a new and improved George Mason, most students reply by listing these contemporary features.
“I want an open-concept high school,” said Rebecca Hagigh, freshman. “At Mason, there are all the different hallways… I want it all to be connected.”
Many of the schools on the posters outside of the cafeteria demonstrate this idea: One large, open space for eating, lounging, and studying, with smaller classrooms and workspaces partially divided off. High schoolers, whose lives revolve around social interaction, need a space where they can come together as a large group and collaborate.
Multiple students praised the model schools featured on the posters for how they blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
“I like the idea of a school with interaction with the outdoors and an inviting campus,” said freshman Annie Castillo.
“When I’m in the [current Mason building], I have no idea what’s going on outside,” said Julianna Markus. “I want something that is more connected to the outdoors and feels less isolated.”
Observing the sample schools on the posters, these students point out gardens, courtyards, big windows, and outdoor classrooms as features they would like to see in a new Mason.
When asked to say the first feature that comes to mind in envisioning their dream high school, most students replied with facilities that reflect and enhance their own areas of interest:
“Lacrosse fields,” suggested Nick Zaenger (freshman). “A really big, really nice auditorium,” said another, Miles Jackson (freshman). “We want a school that works for us, not the other way around.”
The students of Mason dream of a school that perfectly meets their individual needs, and that will help them work on their passions.
All of these fantasies are exciting to imagine. A new building represents an opportunity to take control of our education. But the reality is, the current Mason students will all have graduated by the time the new school is complete. So, pushing aside their visions of a possible future, many students just want to know how this project will affect them directly.
As sophomore Sam Updike put it, “I just don’t want to be in trailers for my senior year of education… I want my senior parking.”
