Check out Bellingham’s newest $31 million school
Sunnyland Elementary School is officially in operation after opening for students for the first time Aug. 30.
At 2800 James St. in Bellingham, the school was under construction for more than a year. It was built on 3.5 acres in a residential neighborhood.
Built on the school’s original 3.5 acres, it features two floors, a gymnasium, a covered play area and an outdoor playground. The school is meant to support 450 students from pre-k through fifth grade.
It features sustainable design elements throughout the site such as:
▪ Solar panel capabilities.
▪ Electric vehicle charging capabilities.
▪ An air-to-water heat pump for internal heating.
▪ 42 outdoor bike parking spots.
▪ Reclaimed bricks.
▪ Native plants.
▪ A drip irrigation system.
The outside of the school is meant to reflect a Craftsman design with natural tones that mirror neighboring house architecture.
Inside, the school has bright colors, graphics and murals throughout the building to emphasize inclusivity and diversity.
With transparency in mind, large glass windows replace walls for some educational rooms.
Many areas, such as the music room, library and cafeteria, are identified in both English and Spanish.
The school’s $31 million price tag was paid for by a $155 million bond that voters approved in 2018, according to earlier reporting in The Bellingham Herald.
