Ocotillo Elementary School is a replacement facility for two smaller existing elementary buildings built in the 1950s. Designed for 600 students, this 76,000 sf facility is the first of two schools utilizing a Carlsbad Municipal School District prototype design, also designed by NCA Architects. Ocotillo hosts 1st through 5th grade students with each grade broken into autonomous “neighborhoods.” To accommodate the different needs of 1st graders through 5th graders, all grades were considered independently to ensure each age groups needs were specifically met. Collaborative learning spaces are shared between adjacent grade levels. Each classroom has been equipped with a window wall to the outside for maximum daylighting and overall improved student performance.