Sparta Middle School
Sparta, Michigan
As part of a $58.6 million bond issue, Sparta Area Schools sought to transform the middle school’s educational model by transitioning from a traditional departmentalized curriculum to an inclusive, interdisciplinary delivery method. The vision for the new middle school was to create collaborative environments that inspire learning and instruction, provide connection to the outdoors through natural light and outdoor learning spaces, and offer a welcoming community atmosphere while ensuring school safety isn’t compromised.
GMB designers created a building composed of four quadrants – multiuse flexible learning environments that the school calls “neighborhoods,” each with four classrooms, a STEM room, a special education room, and a maker space. The neighborhoods are connected by a central circulation Learning Stair that puts learning on display for anyone who enters the school. Special education classrooms are situated within the neighborhoods so every student is part of the learning activity that occurs there, and the massive hallways are instead extensions of the classroom space, where students can easily break into groups while still being connected to and supervised by teachers.
Additional Information
Associated Firm
The Christman Company (construction manager), JRA (food service consultant), CBD Consulting (IT/AV)
Cost per Sq Ft
$191.00
Featured in
2021 Educational Interiors Showcase
Interior category
Common Areas
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