Matapeake Middle School and Ninth-Grade Academy

Stevensville, Maryland

Firm

Gilbert Architects Inc.

Client

Queen Anne`s County Public Schools

Area

115,609 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$24,783,260

Completion Date

08/2007

This new middle school is situated at the gateway to Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore. Designed around a nautical theme, the main lobby promenade forms a ship’s hull that extends between the two main entrances to the school and separates public-use spaces (physical-education suite with stage, cafeteria and music suite) from the academic portions of the building. The administration area oversees building access of all students, parents and visitors. The media center is situated centrally for access by all grades.
Up to 500 middle school students are enrolled in grades 6 to 8, and 300 students are on the second floor in the ninth-grade academy.
The floor plan is organized around a grade level “village” arrangement for the middle school and two small learning communities for the ninth-grade academy. These smaller schools-within-a-school support and encourage the fundamental curriculum practices of the school system and create a friendly education atmosphere.