North Tampa Christian Academy was designed with the intention to endorse 21st century learning and establish a robust sense of community, with an emphasis on each student’s individuality, worth, and potential. Fielding International took the lead from the stages of educational planning and space programming, to in-depth design and furniture selection.

The campus is meticulously designed to efficiently use both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a capacity to cater to 650 students, ranging from the early learners at the Early Learning Center to high school seniors in the 12th grade.

The project takes advantage of the picturesque surroundings and wetlands encompassing the campus. It further accentuates the ecology of the site by incorporating a stormwater pond, not just as an aesthetic feature, but as an educational resource at the center of the campus. All buildings on the campus are oriented to provide views of the landscape and pond, enabling students to monitor the environmental health through observation of the stormwater in the pond and wetlands.

The design aims to revolutionize education spaces by integrating the outdoors with the interiors, fostering a strong sense of community among all grades. Drawing upon the harmonious co-existence of indoor and outdoor environments, this unique design concept allows students to safely engage with and explore the natural world in their daily learning journey.

A key feature of the design is The Commons, located in each Learning Community. These spaces have direct connections to outdoor learning terraces, acting as vibrant hubs of learning and social interaction. With large glass panels and open layouts, they offer expansive views of the captivating landscape, further bridging the gap between the indoor and outdoor environments.

In collaboration with various stakeholders, a rigorous process led to the establishment of three fundamental Design Principles that became the blueprint for the school’s design. These principles guided the creation of both the campus and school buildings:

1. Harness the Complete Site for Learning – Seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor educational spaces.
2. Promote a Strong Sense of Community – Incorporate flexible learning environments that accommodate 21st Century Learning styles.
3. Sustain Natural Harmony – Implement design strategies such as daylight utilization, shading, and natural ventilation to minimize energy consumption.