Typically the parking ratio for retail will be 5 spaces per 1,000 SF of Retail space, whereas the ratio for a school will be significantly higher. In regards to fire codes, you really should be asking the local building authorities and the fire department.
The more important question is why would you put a school in a shopping mall? I would not want to drop off my kids at school with that type of placement. Those who can afford to pay to have their children attend private school would likely find this ridiculous, unless it is a part of a well designed mixed use center in a good area. You should be looking into free standing buildings close to higher income housing, perhaps taking over a vacant church and renovating.
Jan 14, 2009