Needing more space to serve and educate middle school age children in low income communities, Valence College Preparatory Charter School approached Loci to design their new home in the first three floors of a new residential development in Rego Park. On the ground floor a large multipurpose room and generously sized activity spaces support the school's variety of programs, and a tiered seating area in the main lobby encourages informal gatherings. The upper floors contain quiet, respectful classrooms activated with plenty of natural light. Combining multiple tenant spaces into one school required special consideration and understanding of the school's functions, and Loci realized opportunities to provide a variety of flexible gathering spaces and create a school environment that is inspiring, welcoming, and safe.