Kooser Elementary School

Established in 2009 as part of a $250 million bond initiative, Kooser Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, along with early childhood special education programs. Designed by Sinclair Hille Architects, the 95,000 SF facility sits on a 15-acre site in northwest Lincoln, adjacent to a residential development and public park. The school’s layout prioritizes security, flexibility, and community accessibility, with public-facing spaces like administrative offices, the media center, and the gymnasium near the main entrance, while classrooms and support areas are positioned for privacy. Designed for a capacity of 800 students, the building balances school-day activities with after-hours community use.

To accommodate increasing demand for early childhood education, Sinclair Hille Architects designed a 2,772 SF expansion that integrates seamlessly with the existing early childhood wing. The addition includes a Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom with an age-appropriate restroom and storm shelter, as well as staff and maintenance support spaces. Careful attention was given to architectural continuity, ensuring exterior masonry and interior finishes align with the original design. This expansion reinforces Kooser Elementary’s commitment to providing a secure, welcoming, and functional learning environment for its students and the broader community.