The Grand Opening of Shady Side Academy Rockwell Middle School

The new Rockwell Middle School building is a quintessential expression of Shady Side Academy. Contemporary Georgian in style, it maintains the traditional red brick and limestone that is characteristic of the Senior School campus, while featuring its own unique look that includes the open spaces, natural light, and sightlines of a modern school building.

“We get to create the first traditions, the first memories, the first stories future students will hear about in this remarkable space,” said eighth grade student Patrick B. “This moment right now is where our past and future meet.”

We envisioned the Middle School building with high utility, equipped with a range of flexible and multi-purpose spaces that will enhance a range of pragmatic needs. Spaces are designed to maximize opportunities for learning experiences rooted in problem solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. The classrooms are generously sized to allow teachers the flexibility to rearrange the space to suit their daily lesson plans, and breakout spaces foster teamwork throughout. Corridors and staircases are spacious for student movement during transition periods. Double height spaces along with large expanses of glass are thoughtfully located to fill the space with natural light, a large departure from the existing middle school.