Cortada Early Childhood Education Center

Project Overview

GEN7 early learning complex expands child-friendly space for pre-K program

A commitment to kinder-ready programming led the El Monte City School District to partner with AMS to design and build a state-of-the-art early learning center on the Cortada Elementary School campus. The space-efficient modular design sites two 60×40 GEN7 straight line buildings across a commons area, each housing two classrooms adjoining a central hub with kitchenette, restrooms and office. Building A has two preschool classrooms; Building B pairs preschool and Head Start classrooms, with extra space for laundry, a staff restroom and custodial and data space. Interiors are healthy and bright with natural ventilation, skylights, door transoms, sidelites and large windows positioned low to provide outdoor views for young children. Beige stucco exteriors are elevated with thinbrick wainscot and blue doors.

• High-end finishes mix easy-care carpet, MCT flooring and full-height ceramic wall tile 
• Kid-friendly features include 12” cubbies, classroom sinks and outdoor water fountains
• Tech infrastructure supports programmable EMS and USB ports for modern learning

Video: The Process