schools built to weather any storm

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Barbados + XQ: High schools designed to weather any storm. Inset image of a rendering of a school with students.

Barbados + XQ

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The mission of the Barbados + XQ partnership is to revolutionize high school education with climate-resilient schools that blend innovative pedagogy and evidence from some of the most successful high schools in America, with cutting-edge climate-forward architectural design. Using innovative cross-laminated timber, these schools foster collaborative, climate-focused learning while resisting extreme weather and floods. Built for a global future, they offer scalable models for engaging and rigorous learning, and empowering communities to thrive and lead in the face of environmental challenges and a rapidly changing world.

Placing school transformation at the heart of a nation’s economic and workforce strategy.

  • Why this matters

    Hurricanes Maria (2017), Ian (2022), and Beryl (2024) devastated Caribbean schools, many of which remain closed. The XQ Institute, Michael Murphy Studio, WoHo, and the Barbados Government are building high schools that combine innovative teaching with climate-resilient design — models that can be scaled worldwide. They serve as safe havens during storms, and offer climate-focused, experiential learning to prepare students for new workforce demands, fostering economic resilience and sustainability in vulnerable coastal regions.

  • What you can do

    Hold policy makers accountable for prioritizing regenerative materials and sustainable building strategies, promoting buildings that are architecturally designed to create innovative learning environments, and providing students and teachers with the support they need to thrive. Participate in school board meetings.

    Learn More

  • Xq stat 1

    70% Less

    Energy used than typical schools

  • Xq stat 2

    Less than 3%

    HS students report interest in curriculum 

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