A Look at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation’s (KRAI) learning space is Pasco County’s newest public magnet high school, opening its doors for the 2022-23 school year to 9th and 10th graders. In the coming two years, the Wesley Chapel campus will add students to grades 11 and 12 to round out the high school grade levels.
Long before construction started on Kirkland Ranch Academy’s learning space back in fall 2020, Pasco County school officials toured innovative schools across the country to help them design KRAI. What they came up with simulates the look of modern workplaces and its programs are designed to connect its students with local companies that desperately need qualified employees.
This ‘anything but an ordinary school’ was built to provide students with an educational opportunity unlike any other. In fact, everything from the school’s architecture to its educational philosophy is different from other schools.
KRAI offers 10 in-demand and innovative programs structured to include an integrated business curriculum that offers a diverse learning experience focused on helping students develop dynamic skillsets that lead to high-paying careers. The 10 programs are: automotive, biomedical sciences, building trades and construction technology, cybersecurity, diesel, digital media, electricity, engineering and robotics, patient care technician, and welding. Students can earn professional certifications, at Kirkland Ranch Academy’s learning space, which will qualify them for careers or give them a jump start on college.
MiEN was instrumental in designing and furnishing the cafeteria learning space that takes on the appearance more like a food court while also offering opportunities for additional instruction and learning to take place.
In the center of the cafeteria, the decision was made by school officials to offer the FLEX Steps EVO tiered seating design to allow for comfortable and sleek learning space for the KRAI students. When combining several back-to-back, it can become a perfect reading area. Or serve as a casual lounging or stadium style seating space. The laminated sides also helped create a durable one-of-a-kind learning space.
Kirkland Ranch Academy’s learning space also opted for a mix of freestanding seated, café, and coffee table heights to provide a clean, classic feature to the school. They selected the KIO Straight, F4A, and Share tables to complete the space offering contemporary design that meets the multi-purpose functionality of the KRAI cafeteria.
Staying with the modern feel and look KRAI opted for the WDS 4-Leg chair and its companion WDS Café Stool.
In the end, the innovative furniture has created a unique space to compliment the unique program offerings at KRAI. For years to come, these flexible and adaptable spaces will promote student engagement and creative thinking while reflecting this school’s workforce ready culture.
