Site constraints and the best location for the new North Branford High School posed a significant challenge to minimizing disruption to education while maintaining safety and security at the Intermediate and High School during construction. Bounded by the existing High School to the West and North, wetlands to the East and restricted by the auditorium building to the South, the design required an optimized building footprint. The solution was a three-story academic structure, which minimized encroaching into the wetlands and provided adequate space to construct phase one while maintaining access to all educational programs. To address environmental concerns, a significant wetlands rehabilitation effort was implemented to remove invasive species and promote regional biodiversity on site. Multiple outdoor classroom spaces, a green roof off the environmental science lab overlooking the wetlands took advantage of these natural enhancements and offer active & passive teaching and learning opportunities for educators and students.