There are five core houses in Rutherford’s village. Entering a house through its “front porch” – each identified by a different color – you pass through a locker and display area to an expansive classroom filled with natural light, various work and gathering spaces and plentiful shelving, cabinets, and data jacks.

The youngest students learn at the primary house. It supports an environment tailored specifically to young learners, including special pint-sized elements that help small kids feel comfortable and important. At the other core houses, open multi-age classrooms support Rutherford’s philosophy of team teaching to accommodate diverse learning rates and styles. Acoustical materials control noise, a necessity in a bustling area full of energetic learners. An inviting homelike space at the far end, called a group house, provides quiet flexible areas for smaller group activities.