Sandy Slope Elementary School expected to open in 2025
The Appleton Area School District (AASD) broke ground on a new elementary school, Sandy Slope Elementary, on Monday, Oct. 16. A $129.8 million referendum was approved by voters in November 2022 which called for the expansion, renovation, and modernization of AASD schools, including the construction of a new elementary school to accommodate enrollment growth on Appleton’s north side. Sandy Slope will be the District’s 18th elementary school, located near Appleton North High School, and will have capacity for 600 students in grades K-5.
Anticipated to open for the 2025-2026 school year, the 96,000 sq. ft., two-story building will have classrooms organized into grade-level “pods.” Each pod will have dedicated entrances from the playgrounds, locker space, and small flex rooms for individual or small group learning. Classrooms will center around a common “Extended Learning Center” where collaboration, group education, and activities will take place.
The school will have a gymnasium with full-size basketball court and a commons/cafeteria in the heart of the building. Additional specialized spaces include a Library/Media Center (LMC), general music room, band/strings music room, art and STEM spaces, a sensory gym, and special education classrooms throughout the facility.
“The community support behind the referendum was tremendous and support and excitement have continued leading up to this groundbreaking,” said Greg Hartjes, Superintendent of the Appleton Area School District. “The addition of Sandy Slope Elementary to our District means we can reduce Kindergarten-2nd grade class sizes, as the north side of the city continues to grow, while also transitioning 6th graders to our middle schools. I am excited to get this project underway and I know our staff and students are excited as well.”
Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. is providing design and construction management services to the District for the Sandy Slope project. “As an Appleton business, Hoffman is thrilled to help bring Sandy Slope Elementary to the community and help strengthen the Appleton Area School District with this addition as well as the various other projects throughout the District,” said Sam Statz, Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. president. “Our partnership with the District goes back many years and we are honored to be working with them on these critical projects for our community and students.”
Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. is an integrated Total Project Management firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin. Hoffman’s mission is to make a positive impact on people’s lives and their environment by providing creative ideas and responsible solutions. Total Project Management (TPM), is Hoffman’s exclusive process that integrates efficient, healthy, and cost-effective building solutions that respect the environment while enhancing a building’s quality and value and reducing initial and long-term facility costs. Learn more at www.hoffman.net
