Tisbury School

Tisbury School represents a major investment in the future of education on Martha’s Vineyard, thoughtfully transforming the island’s oldest elementary school into a modern, sustainable learning environment for generations of students. Serving as Owner’s Project Manager, CHA guided the $81.8 million renovation and expansion from planning through construction, helping the district navigate the complexities of modernizing an active K–8 school while preserving its longstanding role within the community.

The project revitalized the historic school and expanded it by 20,000 SF, creating a 76,000 SF campus with improved accessibility, enhanced circulation, a new gymnasium, and an on-site preschool. The design focused on creating a more welcoming and functional environment that better supports students, educators, and families while strengthening connections across the campus.

Sustainability was central to the project vision. Designed to achieve net-zero energy performance, the all-electric facility aligns with both Tisbury’s Green Community goals and Martha’s Vineyard’s broader commitment to clean energy. As both Owner’s Project Manager and Commissioning Agent, CHA helped verify that building systems were operating as designed, supporting energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term operational performance. Today, Tisbury School stands as a model for how historic schools can be reimagined to meet the needs of future generations while advancing ambitious sustainability goals.

Photos: © Ed Wonsek