SCHRADERGROUP Studio Attends Reading School District’s High School Innovation Academy Ribbon-Cutting
The SCHRADERGROUP Studio (SG), along with students, staff, and community members, excitedly gathered at the entrance of the new Reading High School Innovation Academy for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. A vibrant Reading-red ribbon adorned the front doors of the new school. Remarks from elected officials and school leaders displayed great pride in their community and excitement for the new high school. The speakers included CFO Wayne Gehris, Superintendent Dr. Khalid Mumin, Board President Noahleen Betts, School officials Wanda Gonzalez-Crespo, JuliAnne Kline, Dr. Portia Slaughter, Jessica DiBlasi, and Amanda Helm, alongside STEMbassadors Mosiah Sanchez and Grislady Jimenez.
Situated in the heart of Reading, the new Innovation Academy represents a next-generation learning center. As the designer, SG considered the curriculum to inform the school’s layout and functionality, incorporating the Career Pathways: Engineering & Design, Computer Science/Information Technology, Health & Biomedical Science, and STEM in Human Services. The result is a facility that prioritizes hands-on, experiential learning where technology, flexibility, and innovation have real-world application for the students’ career pathways.
The SG team recognized the facility ultimately belongs to the Reading community, which is why we designed WITH the students and FOR the students. The students’ input is evident in the buildings dynamic design, specialized classrooms, labs, and collaboration spaces, and the expansive views of their city, reinforcing a sense of pride and place.
Visitors went on student-led tours after the ribbon-cutting. Upon entering, they were welcomed by a bright, open space with a grand staircase at the center. Interior glass partitions let in light and promote cross-collaboration between spaces. The design intentionally departs from traditional school environments, replacing enclosed corridors with spaces that inspire creativity and innovation.
The Innovation Academy prepares to welcome its first class in the 2026–27 school year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony stands as a pivotal milestone that represents the transformation of the community’s vision into a fully materialized environment that will support many generations of learners.
Check out the following videos posted by Reading School District:
- Construction phase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIp4ZSC-IKc
- Q&A with the STEMbassadors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkQ6pfudMs0&t=16s
And video footage of the ribbon-cutting, courtesy of Berks Weekly: