Our goal was to craft a vibrant, unified space that inspires pride, celebrates achievements, and reflects the creative spirit of WPHS.

Project Information

Washington Park High School (WPHS), part of North Star Academy in Newark, NJ, recently set out to redefine its physical and cultural environment, aligning it more closely with its academic excellence and character development mission. As a public high school dedicated to preparing students for college success, WPHS recognized the power of a carefully crafted visual culture to inspire students and staff, fostering a deep sense of belonging and pride in their community.

The journey to transform WPHS's visual identity began with a clear challenge: to create a cohesive, inspiring environment that reflects the school's core values and ignites the passion and potential of its diverse student body. The goal was ambitious but essential—celebrating achievements, strengthening community bonds, and enhancing the overall student experience from the vibrant halls bustling with eager minds to the quiet corners where creativity blooms, every space within WPHS became a canvas for expression, connection, and growth.

Central to this transformation was the desire to connect the past and present, honoring the school's rich history while looking boldly toward the future. The design approach embraced this duality, weaving together the foundational principles of professionalism, reflection, integrity, determination, and enthusiasm – the core pillars of the school's mission. Prominently displayed throughout the building, these values serve as daily reminders of the high standards WPHS sets for its students. This commitment to excellence is a message and a lived experience, reinforced through every detail of the school's updated visual culture.

Personalization played a critical role in bringing this vision to life. Each floor was given a distinct identity, reflecting its students' diverse interests and achievements. The basement, home to the engineering department, now features inspirational quotes from figures like Mae Jemison, encouraging students to reach for the stars in their technical pursuits. Meanwhile, the first floor celebrates student milestones, featuring framed portraits of past graduates alongside their college acceptances, creating a powerful reminder of what's possible with hard work and determination. These design elements work together to bridge the gap between academic ambition and personal growth, turning everyday spaces into sources of motivation and pride.

Student success is also at the heart of this visual overhaul. In the hallways, banners showcasing the P.R.I.D.E. values reinforce the importance of character in academic achievement. Nearby, wall-mounted display cases and digital screens allow students to showcase their innovative projects, transforming passive hallways into active learning environments. This emphasis on student work highlights their talents and builds a sense of ownership and accomplishment, reinforcing the connection between effort and success.

The result is a visually engaging and deeply meaningful school environment, reflecting its community's passion, potential, and perseverance. With a refreshed identity that celebrates its past while inspiring its future, WPHS has become more than just a place of learning – it's a place where dreams take shape, where students are empowered to change their lives and the world around them. This transformation captures the spirit of WPHS, a school that sees every student as a leader in the making, ready to tackle challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness.