Hoover Elementary

Located in Cedar Rapids, IA

Hoover Elementary is a neighborhood school that serves as a hub for students and families, and has always been grounded in the community. For years, however, staff worked around building limitations that affected instruction, safety, and student wellness. Support spaces were shared or undersized, and key facilities like the health clinic and cafeteria couldn’t meet daily demands.

Hoover’s role as a community school extends far beyond the building. The school has built strong relationships with local partners who provide essential services to families, from healthcare to housing support. Staff coordinate with these organizations to help meet families where they are and ensure they get the help they need.

Cedar Rapids Community School District set out to design a new building that would reflect the care and commitment already happening inside the school. The district prioritized safety, adding a secure main entrance and addressing outdated materials. It also created spaces where support services could thrive, including dedicated rooms for Title I and English Language Learner instruction, a more functional clinic, and an expanded community pantry.

The new cafeteria solves many daily issues: better air circulation, more room for students, and quieter acoustics. By giving teachers and staff the tools and space they need, the district is making it easier to serve every student well.

Feedback from the school community helped shape a space that’s both practical and personal. The building’s exterior is described as natural, welcoming, and timeless, and the interior as warm, welcoming, and community-oriented. Every design decision supports the goal of building a school that’s not just better, but better for the people who use it every day.