For K–12 schools, construction projects don’t happen in a vacuum. Often times, classes are in session. Students are on campus. Faculty and staff rely on predictable routines. The challenge isn’t whether construction can happen, it’s how it can happen without disrupting the school’s day-to-day ecosystem.
At EDiS Company, much of our K-12 work takes place on active, occupied campuses—campuses that are now utilized beyond the typical school day. That experience has shaped a highly practical, step-by-step approach to planning and execution; one designed to keep schools operating smoothly while the construction takes shape around them.
Planning the Work
Phasing is the backbone of successful school-year construction. Simply put, it’s the process of breaking a project into smaller, manageable segments so the school’s faculty, staff, and students are aware of the specific areas under construction at any given time.
Before work begins, our team meets with the school’s leadership and studies how the school functions daily, including:
- Daily schedules and peak movement times
- Academic calendar, testing periods, and special events
- Spaces that must remain open and accessible
Using this information, we create a clear construction sequence that allows the school to continue operating while work advances in the background.
Sequencing the Work Around School Life
Once phasing is established, sequencing becomes critical. Every task is planned with timing in mind. Common strategies include:
- Scheduling higher-impact work during summer, holiday breaks, or long weekends
- Performing noisy or disruptive tasks before and after school hours whenever possible
- Completing interior work strategically to keep a clear delineation between active school vs. construction areas
- Prioritizing critical spaces so they are completed first
This sequencing ensures that classrooms, offices, and shared spaces remain or become available when they’re needed most.
Managing Access, Movement, and Space
On an active campus, managing movement is just as critical as managing construction timing. EDiS carefully plans:
- How and where construction crew enter and exit the site
- Where materials are staged and stored
- Which routes are used for deliveries
- How students and staff move safely around active work areas
By controlling access points and clearly defining work zones, we limit the number of areas affected at any one time and keep campus circulation and logistics predictable.
Coordinating Daily Work to Minimize Disruption
Construction during the school year requires continual coordination, not just long-term planning. Day to day, our teams:
- Adjust work activities to accommodate assemblies, events, or schedule changes
- Sequence tasks to reduce noise and dust during instructional hours
- Plan utility interruptions for evenings, weekends, or breaks
- Keep work areas clean and organized at the end of each day
These details may seem small, but together they make a noticeable difference in how construction is experienced by students and staff.
Flexibility Is Built Into the Plan
No school year goes exactly as planned, and neither does construction. We’ve all experienced those surprise fog delays and extended winter storms that impact the school’s calendar. EDiS anticipates that schedules may shift and priorities may change for the school and the construction. The key is building flexibility into the process from the start. Our phasing and sequencing allows for adjustments without derailing the overall project timeline.
Built for Schools, Not Just Buildings
Successfully building while school is in session isn’t about working faster, it’s about diligently working smarter. It requires thoughtful planning, precise sequencing, and a deep understanding of how schools operate. With decades of experience delivering K-12 projects across Delaware and the region, EDiS knows how to keep learning on track while construction moves forward.
