How can schools provide every child with an environment where they can grow and thrive? The answer lies in creating facilities that support quality educational delivery and promote a high level of engagement. The author discusses four energy zones of schools: (1) Resignation; (2) Comfort; (3) Aggression; and (4) Passion. This model provides an intriguing way to look at the development of 21st century schools. Anecdotal and empirical evidence suggests that a student's growth is also affected by two key factors: the quality of the learning environment (positive or negative) and the level of intensity with which that student engages their surroundings (high or low). The planning and design strategies that accompany each energy zone are a crucial part of a school's ability to more effectively educate its students. A specific examination of each energy zone shows how the physical environment can support positive change.