05/20/2026
At Traverse Academy, student safety is paramount—but that priority is rooted in a deeper reality. The school serves students with significant behavioral and mental health needs, many of whom have not found success in traditional learning environments. These are students who require a higher level of support, including spaces designed specifically to reduce risk while promoting stability, trust, and growth.
To create a truly supportive therapeutic environment, MOA ARCHITECTURE and the Cherry Creek School District developed a risk-based design strategy that carefully balances physical safety with emotional well-being.
Each space in the building was assessed for potential risk of self-harm and assigned one of three Risk Levels:
🟡Level 1 – Low Risk: High supervision (hallways, classrooms)
🟠Level 2 – Medium Risk: Intermittent supervision (focus rooms, group therapy)
🔴Level 3 – High Risk: Private spaces (restrooms)
These illustrated design details show how each risk level informed specific material selections, fixtures, and architectural decisions throughout the building.
The goal is not just to prevent harm, but to do so in a way that preserves dignity, autonomy, and a sense of belonging. Because for these students, the environment itself plays a critical role in their ability to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
