PROJECTS

Each project is a story of leadership, vision, and community. Explore some of our most meaningful collaborations.

Fletcher Miller Special Needs School

Lakewood, Colorado

A New Standard for Inclusive Education

The new Fletcher Miller School in Lakewood, Colorado, represents a transformational shift in how educational environments for students with severe disabilities are conceived and designed. This 67,884-square-foot replacement facility serves approximately 100 students from Pre-K through age 21+, offering a nurturing, flexible, and highly accessible environment tailored to learners with complex physical and intellectual disabilities. Replacing the original 1963 building, the new school reflects Jeffco Public Schools’ commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering educational experience. MOA ARCHITECTURE partnered with district leaders, educators, and therapists to design a building that not only meets—but surpasses—traditional accessibility standards, providing a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Size

71,430 SF

Scope

New Construction

“MOA has a great relationship with Jeffco Schools. They are competent, they listen to the user groups and they build a project that the owner wants. They are reliable and respond to everyone in a professional manor.”

Danelle Berzoza

Sr. Project Manager

Jeffco Public Schools

Designed Beyond Code

The design was grounded in a deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by students with disabilities. Many learners rely on wheelchairs or assistive devices, communicate through specialized technologies, or experience Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), which affects how they process visual information. With direct input from teachers, physical and occupational therapists, and school administrators, MOA ARCHITECTURE shaped a building that responds directly to these needs. Every choice—from the circulation layout to materials, lighting, and spatial adjacencies—was made to enhance independence, reduce sensory barriers, and support a wide variety of therapies and learning styles. This collaborative approach inspired purposeful innovations such as a multi-functional circulation loop for mobility practice, a book conveyor that enables students with limited mobility to browse independently, and thoughtfully designed therapy and hygiene spaces that place student dignity, efficiency, and comfort at the forefront.

A Model for What Inclusive Design Can Achieve

The new Fletcher Miller School stands as a model for inclusive design, creating a supportive environment that enables students to learn, grow, and participate more fully in daily activities. The building’s specialized features—including CVI-sensitive design strategies, expanded wheelchair clearances, dedicated therapy spaces, and an accessible playground—provide students with opportunities to build independence and confidence. For families and the larger community, the new facility offers meaningful spaces such as the Community Room and a playground that welcomes all children, reinforcing the school’s role as a hub for connection and support. By prioritizing accessibility, innovation, and community engagement, the Fletcher Miller School demonstrates how thoughtful design can enrich educational experiences and profoundly improve the lives of students with significant disabilities.