Dane County school earns national recognition for inclusive design
DEFOREST, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Harvest Intermediate School in DeForest has been honored as one of the nation’s leading examples of inclusively designed educational spaces.
The school, which opened in 2021, aims to offer special education facilities within its general classroom layouts, incorporating flexible seating options while also featuring spaces designed by students themselves.
According to Principal Roy Bernards, "There’s not a corner of the building that’s not touched by young people, which is what we want. This is their space. It’s opportunity for them to take ownership of it."
School officials say that their innovative design aligns with current best practices, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all students, reporting positive outcomes including heightened academic engagement and improved test scores.