Barack & Michelle Obama Academy

Atlanta, GA

Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO) is a pre-k to 5^th grade school in the heart of the Peoplestown community. Cooper Carry was tasked with designing approximately 11,000 square feet of additions, including a new gymnasium and media center, as well as renovating all classrooms, administrative areas, cafeteria, and auditorium.

As an Arts Integrated School, BAMO’s education program is structured around the performing arts to teach each subject, such as English, Math, and Science. The overall layout of the school was reconfigured to respond to this pedagogy. We designed an arts platform on the main level around a collaboration commons, where students can engage in performance practice, cross-classroom activities, or break-out sessions. We also reconfigured the lobby and adjacent courtyard to work as a performance area.

BAMO serves a vulnerable community, and separate support centers provide tailored assistance to adults as well as students. A new façade and canopy were added to enhance the curb appeal, and welcome students and parents to this new educational experience.