
Summerside Public School
Thames Valley District School Board
~$17 Million
Nicholson Scheffield Architects
D. Grant Construction
2022
Summerside Public School in London, Ontario is a striking example of contemporary educational architecture. Completed in 2022, the two-storey building showcases clean, rectilinear forms and a neutral palette of brick and metal paneling that seamlessly integrate with its suburban context.
Floor to ceiling windows (especially in the main entrance and learning commons) allow ample natural light, creating inviting and flexible interior learning spaces . Architectural accents—such as vertical fins, recessed brick bays, and subtle projections—add depth and visual interest to the façade while breaking down the mass into human-scale elements.
The design also thoughtfully incorporates a dedicated childcare entrance and a robust drop off area, emphasizing accessibility and safety. Functionally, the building accommodates 553 students and an 88 space licensed childcare centre, featuring a gymnasium, learning commons, specialized classrooms, and communal areas arranged around central circulation zones. Overall, Summerside Public School blends modern aesthetics, daylighting strategies, and educational adaptability in a fresh, community oriented package.
The structural system of Summerside Public School combines load-bearing concrete block walls with hollow core precast concrete floor planks to efficiently frame the second floor. This approach provides a durable and cost-effective solution well-suited to an institutional building. Structural steel framing is used in areas requiring longer spans, such as the gymnasium and learning commons, with open web steel joists supporting the roof structure. Reinforced concrete foundations anchor the building, while the integration of precast components helped streamline construction timelines. The system balances strength, fire resistance, and flexibility for modern educational use.









