Project Objectives

The Clarksburg Cluster Elementary School #9, later named Cabin Branch Elementary School, was designed utilizing the MCPS elementary school prototype building design that was successfully implemented at Great Seneca Creek, William B. Gibbs, Jr., Little Bennett, Wilson Wims, and Snowden Farm elementary schools with modifications necessary to adapt to the site conditions. Following the guidelines provided in MCPS Regulation FAA-RA, Educational Facilities Planning, the proposed new facility was designed for a capacity of 721 students.

The building design encourages a flexible approach to accommodating the educational program and maximum connectivity to the surrounding physical environment. Each instructional area has adequate learning spaces, work areas, restrooms, and storage facilities. In anticipation of future growth, the location of a 6-classroom addition has been master-planned for a capacity of 732 students.

Key goals that guided the project design:

• Locate the administrative suite adjacent to the main entrance with visual surveillance of the student drop-off and bus loop.
• Provide gymnasium and multipurpose room accessibility to the school and community during non-school hours.
• Provide safer vehicular access with a student drop-off loop separate from the bus loop.
• Include a defined and welcoming entry.
• Create a building with functional spatial relationships.
• Create spaces that allow easy supervision of students.

• Flexible and collaborative spaces are located throughout the facility. An innovative Learning Stair is located by the main entrance.
• The classrooms have been designed to support interactive educational technology, including controlled, wireless computer access and interactive systems.  
• The facility is designed to encourage a flexible approach to accommodate the educational program and maximum connectivity to the surrounding physical environment. 
• An interior courtyard provides an outdoor space for learning while allowing the interior spaces to benefit from natural light. 
• The facility complies with the International Green Construction Code (IgCC). Some of the sustainable aspects of the project include—
  • high-efficiency LED lighting,
  • daylighting measures,
  • high-efficiency mechanical systems, and a
  • high-performance building envelope.

• Project Fact Sheet
• More information about Cabin Branch Elementary School
• School Website

• May 28, 2020 Board of Education Presentation
• Preliminary Plans Brochure