Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Department of Education selected MBI to design a new 175,000-square-foot middle school. This school is serving up to 1,200 students. The $42 million school sits on a 33-acre site adjacent to Apison Elementary School. It balances educational innovation with long-term durability and operational efficiency.

The design emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Key features include geothermal heating and cooling, a reflective roof, exterior sun shading, daylighting, and occupancy sensors. Clerestory windows bring natural light into both instructional and public spaces throughout the building.

The school is organized around a two-level, curvilinear circulation spine. Two-story classroom wings extend outward. Secure, splayed courtyards between classroom wings create outdoor spaces for collaboration, experimentation, and supervised learning. Classroom wings are organized by grade level. They include integrated support spaces such as teacher work areas, restrooms, and data rooms.

A high-bay media center and dining hall anchor the north–south corridor. The gymnasium is located at the north end. These spaces function independently from the academic wings to support community use. Specialized learning areas—including the STEM lab, art studio, health classrooms, and broadcasting spaces—occupy the second level. They remain visually connected to the media and dining areas, highlighting student activity and learning.

Every design decision balances first cost, energy performance, security, and long-term durability. This creates a flexible learning environment built for a long service life.