Mountain View/Los Altos, Calif., July 12, 2021 – Mountain View Los Altos High School District (MVLA) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of several new projects across three of its high school campuses. The projects include a new Student Services Center and Auxiliary Gymnasium at Mountain View High School (MVHS), new one-story classroom buildings at Freestyle Academy for Arts & Technology (Freestyle Academy), and a new Student Services Center at Los Altos High School (LAHS). Attendees looked on as members of MVLA’s Board of Trustees and Superintendent ceremonially dug the first holes at each site, celebrating the increased resource and curricular offerings the projects will bring to the campuses. Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) serves as the designer for the school’s ongoing campus improvement projects and RGM Kramer, Inc. is building the facilities as construction manager. 

“We are thrilled to formally mark the start of construction of these needed spaces that will enhance the learning and work experience for our students, teachers and staff,” said Dr. Nellie Meyer, MVLA Superintendent. “With much to coordinate between campuses and school administrations, we are thankful for the high level of involvement and communication our skilled project team has shown throughout the process. There is a lot to celebrate as we look forward to enjoying these facilities as we return to increased in-person learning in the fall.”

MVHS’ new two-story Student Services Center will serve as a central hub for the school, including a new cafeteria and dining area, four classrooms, a student union and administrative offices. All student services, such as academic counseling, community and mental health services, and a college and career center, will now take place in dedicated spaces in the new facility. Targeting LEED Silver certification, the 32,500 square-feet of new construction will create a striking new campus entrance. Also breaking ground at this time is MVHS’ Auxiliary Gymnasium and improvements to field areas that will serve the school’s physical health and wellness programming. 

Breaking ground at Freestyle Academy, located across from MVHS, are new one-story digital arts classroom buildings and a surrounding student plaza. A state-of-the-art replacement of five existing portables, the 10,500 square-foot classroom buildings will support and expand the school’s unique communications and multimedia curriculum, which serves MVLA juniors and seniors who can apply to enroll part-time concurrently with their home campus. 

LAHS will also be home to a new Student Services Center, housing the campus’ administration offices, counseling department, conference rooms, college and career center, learning lounge and student union. In line with LAHS’ Green Ribbon School status for its leadership in environmental initiatives, the 26,000 square-foot building will target LEED Silver certification, at minimum. LAHS will also receive an upgrade to field areas. 

“It has been a very rewarding experience to work with MVLA and RGM Kramer on these transformative projects for the district over the past several years,” said QKA Founding Principal Mark Quattrocchi, FAIA. “Marking a post-pandemic era, we are confident these spaces will support the next generation of learning with thoughtful and flexible group collaboration and gathering spaces, integrated student service areas, and more.”

All projects are expected to complete by Spring 2023. Additionally, MVLA looks forward to celebrating the upcoming completion of classroom building projects on both MVHS and LAHS campuses. This fall, students will be welcomed back by flexible, modern one- and two-story classroom, Special Education and lab spaces that expand the schools’ offerings in a variety of curriculums. 

“It was really exciting to be able to gather together again and celebrate the groundbreaking of MVLA’s most current projects,” said Patrick Maravelias, vice president of RGM Kramer, Inc. “These new facilities will greatly improve each campus, replacing, in some cases, outdated, portable structures. As always, we appreciate the close collaboration employed among the project team and look forward to what is to come for the district.”

About Mountain View Los Altos High School District

The Mountain View Los Altos High School District (MVLA) reflects the diversity, ambitions, and spirit of Silicon Valley innovation. We are proud to serve approximately 4,400 students from Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills communities. MVLA comprises two comprehensive high schools, an alternative high school, an adult education center, the Freestyle Academy for Arts & Technology, and Middle College. Our comprehensive schools, Los Altos High School and Mountain View High School are consistently ranked in the top 500 high schools nationally.

 The MVLA High School District is located approximately 15 miles north of San Jose and 40 miles south of San Francisco. Our communities are home to various high-tech firms, including Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Intuit, and Synopsys, and NASA-Ames. Learn more at www.mvla.net

About Quattrocchi Kwok Architects

QKA provides comprehensive master planning and design services for K-12 and higher education, historic renovation and community facilities in Northern California. With more than $2 billion in projects completed in its 34-year history, QKA’s award-winning portfolio reflects a commitment to design that emphasizes environmental sustainability and community impact. Building Design + Construction has recognized QKA as one of the nation’s top K-12 and BIM (building information modeling) architecture firms. Engineering News-Record has called it one of America’s top design firms. Majority employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), QKA continually lands on the North Bay Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” list. Visit qka.com to learn more.

About RGM Kramer, Inc.

RGM Kramer, Inc. specializes in managing the design and construction of public schools, community colleges, municipalities and city and county facilities. Having served over twenty-five school districts in the greater Bay Area, RGMK is the resident expert in bringing districts from ballot measures to ribbon cuttings while providing specialized attention to the needs of public facilities. RGMK manages both new construction and modernization programs of varying types and complexities, and is proud to maintain a high level of customer service at all times. See completed projects, client testimonials, and more at rgmkramer.com. 

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