Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy

Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy (DTBPA) is a K-5 school, planned for a phased future expansion to a K-8, with a Cambridge Language Immersion program that provides an enriched and diverse learning environment for all students. The 21st century prototype is the ultimate in meeting Cost per Student Station Compliance. At just $14,533 per student station, the school cost over 36% less than the State-established maximum of $22,896 per student station. The school was right-sized and leaned to be one of the most efficient public schools built today, while fully supporting and enhancing the 21st century curriculum.

The brand new, state-of-the-art facility incorporated innovative and flexible spaces that facilitate new methods of teaching and enhance the student learning and social experiences. The design successfully created technology-rich, 21st century educational environments with agile spaces that accommodate differentiated learning and facilitate the delivery of this dual-language curriculum. The Phase 1 K-5 building included administrative offices, state-of-the-art classrooms with integrated technology, a Media Center 2.0 that includes a Maker Lab, a CNN Lab and a more traditional research area, a DaVinci Lab (arts), a Mozart Lab (music), skills labs, a full-service “Learning Plaza” cafetorium, multiple educator collaboration spaces, and covered outdoor dining, physical education and art patio. The Discovery Lab (science) features microscopes, a Promethean board, and state-of-the-art equipment. Zyscovich added wonderment and enrichment areas at the DaVinci, Mozart, and Discovery Labs to complement the dual language curriculum. The advanced Language/Computer Lab and Extended Learning Areas offer comfortable seating and the latest technology to facilitate student collaboration and the curriculum. The “Spanish Steps” lead to the second floor. The assembly spaces including the cafetorium, Media Center 2.0 and administration provide after-hour and weekend community access while leaving the classroom wing secure via locking doors in the Learning Street.