Established as Middle School: 1968
Converted to Elementary School: 1976
Big Walnut Elementary School has a rich history rooted in innovation and adaptation to the growing needs of the Big Walnut community. What started as a groundbreaking middle school design in the late 1960s has since evolved into one of the district's most important elementary education facilities.
The Birth of Big Walnut Middle School
In 1968, construction began on Big Walnut Middle School, located on 20 acres of land along Old 3C Highway. It was the first school in central Ohio to embrace the open-concept model of education. This revolutionary design, with no permanent classroom walls, sought to provide flexibility in teaching and learning environments. Instead of traditional walls, moveable partitions and cabinets on casters were used to create adaptable spaces.
Students could be grouped in configurations of 30 or even 90, fostering collaborative learning and small-group instruction. Cubby areas were also available for one-on-one work, allowing for personalized education opportunities. The building's design focused on creating a quiet, controlled environment with:
- Wall-to-wall carpeting and acoustical ceiling tiles to minimize noise.
- Artificial lighting to prevent eyestrain.
- Air conditioning and gas-fired hot water boilers to maintain a consistent year-round temperature.
The curriculum placed an emphasis on independent learning, with students visiting the 3,500 sq. ft. library daily. Other specialized areas included a science center, a unified arts center for home economics, fine arts, and industrial arts, as well as a gymnasium that doubled as an auditorium with a stage.
Transformation into Big Walnut Elementary School
When the new Big Walnut High School was built, middle school students were relocated to the former high school building on Baughman Street. The old middle school, once an experiment in progressive education, was repurposed as Big Walnut Elementary School. The building began serving younger students and was modified to better accommodate traditional elementary instruction.