University of Alabama Capstone Learning Academy

An elementary school turned accredited child-care facility

For their faculty, staff, and students, The University of Alabama made it their mission to provide a nationally accredited childcare program by partnering with KinderCare Education at Work.

The former Northington Elementary school provided the University of Alabama with a 15,733 SF space for classrooms and support spaces and a 6,358 SF covered outdoor space for a playground.

The renovated facility now provides five nationally accredited childcare programs for 250 infants and children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Understanding the vitality of using every square foot with intention, our team conducted extensive programming assessments with the university.

LocationTuscaloosa, AL
Project Type
Commercial Education Graphic Design

Inside the front doors, tree-like structures, green sound-dampening panels, and colorful flooring provide a playful reception area and an indoor play area for children.

Our team was tasked with reflecting a neutral, calming environment in paint selections, flooring, and wooden accents.

Each room is catered to fit the children’s interests and needs. Hand-picked finishes make each room unique to its intended age group.

A set of three custom wall graphics were designed to differentiate the rooms.

CCR worked closely with KinderCare and the University of Alabama to ensure the safety of children attending the Capstone Learning Academy. Interior windows were high on the list of priorities to allow optimal transparency of the classrooms.

In the corridor, children are greeted with a custom wall graphic of an elephant family to allude to the native home of the University of Alabama mascot.

Felt sound-paneling elements and elephant wall graphics line the hallways to set the sub-Saharan tone in the remainder of the facility.

Once completed, The University of Alabama Capstone Learning Academy filled an immediate need for the staff, faculty, and students of the UA community. With an emphasis on early academics, physical activity, and emotional learning, the KinderCare partnership is sure to provide excellent childcare for years to come.

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING GREAT.