A New Standard in 21st Century Learning: Inside École Catholique Louis Riel

École Catholique Louis Riel has been heralded as a place of joy and creativity – a vibrant community hub where the potential of every learner can be fully realized. Nestled in the center of Grade Prairie’s O’Brien Lake subdivision, this French immersion pre-kindergarten to grade 8 school is more than just a learning facility.

Conceived with a forward-thinking approach to education, the school was designed to meet the demands of 21st-century learning. The building places a strong emphasis on natural light, ensuring that it is not only functional but also inspiring. At the heart of the school is a large, two-story learning commons, complete with an agora stair flex space that fosters creativity and collaboration. This is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities, including a gymnasium and open learning spaces, all designed to support the diverse needs of its students.

École Catholique Louis Riel is not just a school; it is a community, a place where every student is encouraged to explore their full potential in an environment that reflects their heritage, beliefs, and the promise of a bright future. Realizing this vision required spaces that were distinctly unique from traditional school settings.

Collaborative Design for a Bold Vision

The leadership at École Catholique Louis Riel envisioned a school that went beyond the conventional. They sought to create a unique space where every corner, piece of furniture, and design choice would contribute to a dynamic learning environment. “It wasn’t just about filling classrooms with desks and chairs; it was about creating a ‘wow’ factor that would leave a lasting impression on students and visitors alike,” said Craig Ward, Education Projects Director at CDI Spaces.

This vision required tactile and varied types of furniture that could cater to different learning styles and needs. Achieving this within the constraints of a budget was a challenge, but the commitment to building a space that truly served its students was the driving force behind the project. “That’s always the challenge—to get the most out of a space while meeting their budget,” Ward explains. Despite these challenges, the collaboration between CDI Spaces and École Catholique Louis Riel thrived on a shared commitment to bringing this vision to life.

The design process was a dynamic exchange of ideas. “We shared tons of different ideas for gathering spaces,” Ward recalls. “They narrowed it down, combining elements like soft seating blocks and grassy areas from different designs to create a space that was uniquely theirs.”

The school’s administrative team played an integral role in this collaboration. “They were very involved,” Ward notes. “Roger, from the division office, was deeply engaged throughout the process. He brought the principal in towards the end, and their input was invaluable.”

Flexible and Sensory Solutions for Every Learner

CDI worked closely with the school’s administrative team to create spaces that are not only functional but also engaging and adaptable, offering a variety of learning environments that can be easily reconfigured to meet the evolving needs of both students and educators.

The school’s design includes distinct wings, each featuring breakout learning commons between classrooms. These areas are equipped with garage doors that open up, allowing classrooms to extend into dynamic gathering spaces. Craig Ward from CDI Spaces explains, “We had to consider the age group that would be using each area. That’s why some spaces feature grassy mounds, rubber logs, and rocks, along with floor rockers and work areas with tables. In the higher grades, you’ll find curved soft seating.”

The flexible furniture solutions extend throughout the school, creating a versatile, sensory-rich environment. In one hallway, for example, curved soft seating with backs provides comfort and flexibility, while in other areas, soft seating blocks—reminiscent of Lego blocks—encourage students to climb, sit, work, or reconfigure the space to their liking. “The students can sit on it, work at it, or reconfigure it as they want,” Ward says. “The grassy areas and green rugs are also sensory pieces, like AstroTurf—tactile elements that students love to touch. The grassy mound serves a similar purpose, providing both a cool, functional feature and a sensory experience.”

This focus on flexibility and sensory engagement extends to the educators’ workspaces as well. Teachers are equipped with height-adjustable desks and mobile pedestals, allowing them to move seamlessly between classrooms without the hassle of relocating materials. 

By integrating these flexible and sensory solutions, CDI Spaces has helped create an environment at École Catholique Louis Riel that not only supports diverse learning styles but also fosters creativity, comfort, and adaptability. 

A Vision Realized: The Impact of Thoughtful Design

The completion of École Catholique Louis Riel is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration. The innovative, flexible furniture solutions and sensory-rich environments have not only created a visually stunning space but also provided tangible benefits to students and staff alike.

“The team loves how it turned out and how it looks,” says Craig Ward. “They’re very happy with how the furniture is used and the benefits it brings to the students.”

Through this partnership, CDI Spaces has helped bring to life a school that is more than just a place of learning—it’s a space where students can explore, create, and grow in an environment tailored to their needs. 

The result is a school that embodies joy, creativity, and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the Grande Prairie community for years to come.