As learning environments continue to evolve, school design is adapting to meet a wider range of student needs and district goals. From flexible spaces and emerging technology to facility renewal and wellness-driven design, 2026 will bring both new priorities and renewed focus areas for education leaders.
With projects underway across the country, Wold’s education team is seeing several clear trends shaping how districts plan, invest and design for the future.
Schools are increasingly recognizing that well-designed environments can directly support emotional regulation and learning. Calm rooms, sensory nooks and other adaptable spaces are becoming more common as educators look for ways to help students manage energy, attention and behavior throughout the day. These spaces have evolved from specialized amenities to essential elements of inclusive school design.
Key takeaway: The next generation of school design prioritizes environments that nurture emotional well-being and self-regulation for all learners.
Career and technical education programs remain a powerful driver of new and renovated facilities. CTE spaces are becoming increasingly flexible, serving multiple disciplines and student skill levels within a single environment. Movable furniture, shared equipment and multipurpose layouts allow schools to support evolving workforce needs while giving students more hands-on opportunities to explore interests before graduation.
Key takeaway: Flexible, future-ready CTE spaces prepare students for changing industries and keep education aligned with workforce trends.
As AI and digital tools enter classrooms, design is shifting to accommodate not just the use of technology but teaching with and about it. Infrastructure upgrades are focusing on stronger connectivity, accessible charging and dedicated collaboration zones that encourage interaction and innovation.
Key takeaway: Designing for digital literacy means creating spaces that seamlessly support technology’s evolving role in how students learn and teachers teach.
Across the country, districts are directing more resources toward maintaining and modernizing existing schools rather than pursuing new builds. With enrollment shifts and budget pressures, 2026 will see a rise in strategic facility updates, from HVAC replacements and lighting upgrades to renovations that enhance accessibility, safety and energy performance. These reinvestments help districts extend the life and value of their campuses while meeting today’s needs more efficiently.
Key takeaway: Maximizing the potential of existing buildings allows districts to meet current demands while preparing for future change.
Design strategies are increasingly emphasizing connections between students, grades and schools. School campuses are being planned as linked environments with shared amenities and outdoor learning zones that strengthen relationships and community engagement. These connected sites create a sense of belonging while improving operational efficiency.
Key takeaway: Campuses designed for connection foster community, continuity and collaboration across grade levels.
In 2026, education design will continue to balance innovation with practicality, creating learning environments that respond to students’ emotional, academic and social needs while making the most of every dollar invested. Wold’s education team remains focused on helping districts plan strategically, ensuring every space supports meaningful learning for years to come.