An existing facility that is being upgraded or retrofitted today typically is 30 to 45 years old, often with limited natural light, antiquated mechanical systems and retrofitted technology. All too often at the outset of a project, the broader project goals--and even those narrower in scope--seem daunting or altogether impossible when staring at a blueprint for a dark and dated building. But what if a school could see past the physical restrictions of the walls to explore its transformation possibilities? There may be daylight at the end of a dark, enclosed hallway--it's a matter of changing perception. When a school or college begins to assess its facilities to determine what changes must be made to meet future needs and expectations, it is important to establish goals that are independent of the existing facility condition. Too often, an education institution considering a renovation or retrofit project will base its planning decisions on what it envisions could be accomplished reasonably and feasibly with its existing building footprint and layout. These assumptions greatly hinder the master plan and may be limiting in the long term. Instead, schools must look at the big picture. Focus on the long-term goals and what the school wants to achieve as an education institution. This article offers tips for transforming schools by transcending existing facilities.