After more than two decades in makeshift space, the Rashi School turned to HMFH to create a permanent home along the Charles River, southwest of Boston. From a natural amphitheater outside the ground level cafeteria to sweeping views of the Charles River, the new building is designed to respond to its extraordinary site, which is part of an intergenerational campus shared with the Hebrew SeniorLife community.
Home to 300 students in grades K-8, the new Rashi School is organized around a central spine that is flooded with daylight coming through large clerestory windows at roof-top level. Two classroom wings, serving K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 on each succeeding floor, radiate from either end and contain a mix of standard classrooms, small group break-out rooms, Hebrew study rooms and offices. Double-height music and science classrooms bracket the top floor, while the second floor contains a brightly-lit art studio and 10,000-volume library with a story nook and wireless computer network.The school is anchored by a range of ceremonial and celebratory spaces, including the Sukkot Shalom and gallery along the main corridor, the 80-seat Beit Midrash for prayer and study, a 415-seat auditorium, as well as a cafeteria and full-size gymnasium. A sunny amphitheater, playgrounds, sports fields and parking complete the site.