Foust Elementary Gaming & Robotics Magnet School

Foust Elementary Gaming & Robotics Magnet School in Greensboro, North Carolina is the nation’s first public elementary school designed with technology integrated into every aspect of learning. The transformative 90,000-square-foot school pioneers a new approach to early childhood education design and curriculum.

Foust Elementary was built in the 1940s and is located in one of the most financially challenged areas of Guilford County. Over the years, the school’s routine maintenance and upkeep required a significant renovation and design intervention to meet today’s standards for K-12 educational facilities. To increase retention and improve student performance, Guilford County Schools (GCS) partnered with Gensler to create a modern, innovative, and inviting magnet school that could support a new education and learning framework.

As current and incoming students are digital natives, the school applies academic rigor and a structured format to support their proficiency and technical acumen. Inspired by the logic and structure of a printed circuit board (PCB), Foust’s design translates technological innovation into architectural form. This conceptual framework reflects the GCS vision for a dynamic, technology-driven curriculum in which physical movement and connectivity are integral to the educational experience. The building itself becomes a living circuit board — supporting, energizing, and connecting every learner.

Foust Elementary Gaming & Robotics Magnet School represents the county’s commitment to providing exceptional facilities and educators to prepare the next generation of leaders. The new school prioritizes inclusivity, engaging all its students to think conceptually and creatively. The investment made in the school’s design inspires curiosity and wonder, fostering a lifelong love of learning.