design Archives - Rainbow Community School

Designing Spaces for Learning

by Susie Fahrer | Oct 20, 2025 | Director's Blog

The Director’s Kaleidoscope: Exploring the many colorful aspects of learning
at Rainbow Community School

What do you think of when you hear “school” or “schooling”?

Hi, my name is Susie Fahrer and I am the executive director of Rainbow Community School and Omega Middle School. Have you ever stopped to wonder what comes to mind when you hear the words “school” or schooling? For many of us , we were transported to a large building, often with a wide hallway, usually having classrooms on either side, particularly designed with tables and chairs, oriented towards the front of the room, where perhaps the teacher is standing delivering their content for the day.

How do you design a space for learning?

And more often than not, nowadays we’re probably picturing a classroom filled with computers or iPads where students are behind a screen engaging technology as a primary part of their schooling experience. While much of this is creating a foundation, perhaps if we would change the scope, if we considered reframing the question. What would you think about if we actually asked, how do you design a space for learning?

The Elements of Space

Well, for many of us, we start to imagine the beauty of a space. Natural light and beautiful materials. Creating a space that feels welcoming. Or maybe we think about how we engage a diversity of learners through design for flexible seating and hands-on materials. And maybe still, we think about that technology, but we recognize that it’s integrated with intention and balance.

Designing for Learning at Rainbow

Also offering space for discourse and project-based learning and meaningful curriculum. And finally, for some of us, the walls might even dissolve, and we consider stepping out into the natural world, engaging space for play and physicality. Understanding that brain science allows us to know that optimal learning is spent both indoors and out. So here at Rainbow, we have the ability to design for learning.

A Learning Village

For many people, when they first step on our campus, they describe it as a village. And this couldn’t be a better imagery to capture the vibrancy with which we design our classroom and our campus spaces, to meet the needs of preschoolers through middle schoolers in an engaging and joyful learning experience. If you are new to Rainbow, I invite you to look at our website or perhaps book a tour and come see what we’ve built here and designs for learning, and an optimal experience for children where they are nurtured and supported through a learning journey from the earliest childhood experience into adolescence.

The Door is Always Open

For those of you who are already part of our community, I invite you to come and sit with me and continue the conversation. My door is always open.

Click to read and download our free resource guide on Designing Space for Learning at Home.

Designing Space for Learning At Home

Learn More

Continue exploring ideas from our Director’s Kaleidoscope series, including topics like executive functioning, student autonomy, and project-based learning.

FLIPBOOK: Science and Design Fair 2016

by Michael Valentino | Mar 24, 2016 | Blogs, News

I love, love, love the design projects that you chose! You all “went big” – nobody played it safe and picked something easy. And here you go, making change in the world. This is why teenagers rule. – Niki Gilbert

The students’ innovative ideas to create change within the school and greater community were so inspiring! I can’t wait to see the continued impact they will make in the community! – Sandra McCassim

I liked how each of the students had a voice. The process that was used required research, work and much thought. They taught us, the parents, and I loved it! – Dianne Caldwell

The creativity was amazing. It was so inspiring to see Omegans dive in and work hard! You all will be the change that we want to see in this world!! – Ali Banchiere

I was struck by the breadth of issues students had identified; from concerns within our Rainbow community, like bathroom beautification and parking lot safety, to global problems, like global warming, and many in between. – Tracy Hildebrand

In our work we are constantly having to come up with creative solutions to the challenges we face. After observing how the kids used the Design Process to facilitate out-of-the-box ideas, we plan to incorporate this structure into our brainstorming sessions at work. Way to go kiddos! Go out and change the world… it needs you! – Molly Irani

I felt that due to the feedback the students collected throughout their process from classmates and parents, their inventions and ideas were realistic and useful. They were professional and proud in their presentations. – Jen Lauzon

I enjoyed learning a little more about each Omegan; what interests you, what moves you to act on your feelings, interests, and passions, and how you explain your process and share with others. I was inspired by your creativity and innovations. I am hopeful for our future with young people like you doing great things in the world. – Caryn Hanna

Projects like yours do not always work out perfectly. Just like the Wright Brothers making designs, we work on some things, they fail, and we change them. I loved how you were clear and honest about both what did work and about things that didn’t work or might need to be changed. This shows that real learning – and inventing – was happening! – Chris Weaver

Skills learned in the Design Fair will serve a for a lifetime. – Stewart Stokes

I loved how enthusiastic the kids were about their topics as well as how well they presented them. Having them think in this way is really critical as citizens of this planet! Thank you kids! – Jennifer Lazinsk

Several of the presentations gave examples of how each of us could change our daily behavior to improve our environment and here at home we have already changed several things. Others made me more aware of social issues that had not occurred to me and presented doable solutions. I have been to many adult presentations on various issues and the difference was unbelievable. The energy and enthusiasm as well as the wealth of information was inspiring. – Sherry Hill

I was totally blown away by the composure, confidence and maturity displayed by the Omegans at the design fair… At each stop I felt engaged, informed and inspired. It was very moving to see these young changemakers in action. I have no doubt these young people are on their way to being adults who move through life truly “walking the walk” not just talking the talk. – Rachel Hagen

I was so inspired and impressed to see the variety of conundrums being tackled in such innovative ways for the design projects. The sixth graders were also very impressed, and are already talking excitedly about what they’d like to do for their own design projects. – Jenny Armocida

I was impressed with the courage to confront big issues in practical ways. For instance, climate change is a scary proposition but seeing the kids ready and eager to find solutions in immediate practical ways was inspiring. Equally so with issues of gender and animal safety and on down the list. – Billy Goodrum

I could hear murmurings from guests as they left the room saying it is people like these students that will better our world. I felt inspired. I felt proud. I felt humbled. – Susan Waddel