The design of the comprehensive high school for Agua Fria Union High School District reflects the principles of 21st-century education. Situated within the Verrado planned development, the school serves as a community hub with shared interior and exterior spaces. Inspired by the idea of a canyon, the indoor central mall is the thread that holds the adjoining learning academies. The academies promote teacher-student collaboration and mentoring across different grade levels. The intentionality behind the flexible design allows for chance encounters, one-on-one coaching, independent or group study, and presentation spaces. Environmental design aspects of the building are integrated into the curriculum. The high school design fosters community engagement, and nurtures sustainability as a way of thinking. project completed while at orcutt | winslow.