The new Mockingbird Elementary School, completed for Ralston Public Schools, is a major investment in the community’s educational infrastructure. The project involved building a new facility on the site of the former school, with the unique challenge of keeping school operations running throughout the two-year construction. The new building was placed in the northwest corner, allowing the old school to stay open until the new one was ready. This phasing required close coordination between Lamp Rynearson, stakeholders, and contractors to maintain utilities, site access, and safety for students and staff.

The site design tackled significant grade changes and prioritized accessibility, improving parent drop-off circulation, expanding accessible parking, and adding multiple accessible entry points. A key infrastructure solution was the use of a combined detention basin and hydrodynamic separator system to meet stormwater requirements on a tight site. The team also created new playground and hardscape areas, focusing on safety and separation from vehicles.

Mockingbird Elementary now features enhanced accessibility, a secure, centralized play area, and a dedicated staff parking lot. The design supports a strong pre-K program and includes a modern gymnasium, meeting both educational and community needs. The result is a state-of-the-art learning environment that better serves students, staff, and families, while strengthening the Ralston community.