The new Clover Middle School replaces a former middle school that will be repurposed as a 9th grade academy. Based on an LS3P prototype, the new 178,082 SF facility serves grades 6-8 with a core capacity for 900 with expansion for 1200 students. The school is sited on a 125-acre parcel fronting Highway 55 and Barrett Road. Campus amenities include an 8-lane track, football field, baseball and softball fields, practice fields, outdoor basketball courts, fieldhouse and athletic bleachers.

The school design organizes each grade level into individual “houses.” Each contains 10 general classrooms, 3 science labs, and a computer lab. Additional features include a 1,300-seat gymnasium, an auxiliary gym for PE and other functions, a large dining area, and an adjoining multipurpose room with stage. The media center is accessible from major public circulation spaces. Natural daylighting fills the building’s 2-story vestibule and main corridor.

Key design features are flexible learning spaces for each grade level, the use of wireless internet throughout with next generation instruction equipment. STEM education is the focus of the school’s project based, experiential learning. Teaching areas and informal collaboration space support multiple class interaction, exploration and even robotics competitions. Colorful palettes and environmental graphic elements such as DNA helix floor patterns and science, math, literature and fine arts vocabulary on walls reinforce learning.

RECOGNITIONS: 2017 National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association, Inc., Honor Award