The Lincoln Academy

Beloit, WI

The Lincoln Academy | Constructed during a global pandemic and amid material delays/shortages worldwide, this facility was built with input from the community and is a K4-12 public charter school authorized through the University of Wisconsin system serving Wisconsin residents. A 115,000 square foot, four-level building that is conditioned by a variable refrigerant flow system that uses refrigerant instead of water to condition spaces and allow for more energy and cost savings. A unique aspect of this facility is the viewing windows for the mechanical labs to support student learning. The Academy attained Energy Star designation, meaning the building performs better than 75 percent of others built today, by incorporating energy-efficient windows, LED lights, and a high-efficiency Mechanical system that supports air filtration. The Lincoln Academy’s vision comes to life: scholars participate in goal setting that exposes them to a self-selected career path that leads to exploratory classes and eventually service learning, job shadowing, internships/apprenticeships, and advanced placement courses. Essentially allowing each scholar to attend school with a career-focused mindset.