The design for the new Gene Pike Middle School began with similar programmatic and planning elements from NISD’s CW Worthington Middle School. Similar sized at 219,500sf for the district’s 6-8 grade students, the planning principles are further evolved blending academic learning, open student collaboration and flexible Media Center strategies.

The replacement middle school will sit on newly acquired land located directly to the south of the existing campus. The additional property, named One Horse Farm, was an inspiration to the architectural design concept of a ranch or farm house. Equipped with strong architectural elements representing a ranch house front porch, a large public outdoor courtyard welcomes students and teachers providing direct entry and access to the school’s Administration, Media Center, Cafeteria and Athletic spaces. A more private and secure outdoor student learning courtyard (or side porch) is nestled between two collaborative academic houses with direct access from the school’s Media Center.

The open and interactive Media Center in located in the heart of the school providing seamless and fluid learning opportunities from each of the school’s academic wings. Designed as a multi-level Media Center, students can collaborate, research, socialize and circulate through with peer groups during the school day with direct access and supervision from each academic house. This innovative planning model reinforces blended and collaborative learning while blurring the lines between the traditional closed and quiet school library compared to a more open, dynamic and interactive Media Center providing a sense of purpose and intentional learning.