Renovation Allows School to Expand

Laurence 2000 students will have more room to grow now that work is completed on a new administration building and two kindergarten classrooms.

The independent elementary school purchased and renovated a vacant two-story building on Victory Boulevard that abutted the Woodman Avenue campus to provide additional space for offices, a conference room, a teachers’ supply room, kitchen and waiting area.

The administrative offices moved into the new 4,000-square-foot facility last summer, freeing up 1,400 square feet for 30 students in two new kindergarten classes that began in September.

To connect the administration building on Victory Boulevard with the school buildings on Woodman Avenue, a “pathway of learning” walkway was constructed. The walk features ceramic tiles depicting school scenes that were made by students and embedded into the concrete.

Renovation plans also call for a new entrance to the school from Victory Boulevard, a parking lot, play yard, gardens and walkway awnings.

The new facility will be officially dedicated during the school’s annual International Day celebration Dec. 18.

“We had been thinking about buying this building for years,” said Marvin Jacobson, school founder and director. “We were trying to decide if we should tear it down and start over or remodel it.”

School officials bought the building in April and completed renovations in September. The $500,000 renovation project was paid for through parents’ contributions and proceeds from an annual auction.

“People often think that the quality of education is No. 1,” Jacobson said. “But you have to have a quality environment as well. Children respond to an aesthetically pleasing environment. It affects their willingness to work and to get involved.”