◆ Architecture
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
■ Master Planning
● Interior Design
Newton Middle School
Littleton,
Colorado
As part of the 2018 Bond Program, Littleton Public Schools (LPS) identified the need to build a new middle school facility on the current Newton Middle School site. The new school replaces the original deficient structure, resolves ADA issues, and provides the appropriate space for small and large group instruction, creativity and innovation.
Middle Schools
Project Details
- 160,000 sf
- $69.5M (school and stadium)
Design Details
- Collaborative design process with nearly 20 DAG and User Group meetings
- Outdoor learning spaces, group learning spaces
- Spaces for NOVA and BEST Programs
- 21st Century educational environments with flexible furnishings
- Extensive daylighting
- High performance mechanical systems
- Art, STEM labs, and CTE production lab
- Cafetorium and learning stair combination
- State-of-the-art athletics facilities
- New junior stadium and playing fields
- Photography by David Lauer Photography
Recognition
- 2021 Architectural Portfolio Design Competition, Outstanding Design - Middle School, presented by American School & University
Health and physical activity are prevalent themes in the new school. The new Newton Middle School features athletic facilities rarely found in a middle school including an indoor rock-climbing gym, a full fitness center, four basketball courts, and an indoor running track.
The design also includes space for the district’s NOVA and BEST programs, which serves K-12 students with special social and emotional needs. This “school within a school” features a separate entrance, secure rooms, quiet spaces, and a fenced playground for younger students.
"The Newton Middle School replacement project is the flagship project for the LPS 2018 Bond Program and is LPS’s first replacement school in several decades...RTA’s leadership through the community engagement and programming process set the tone for this project.”
The design incorporates classroom pods with flex breakout spaces, a learning stair, maker spaces, and larger-than-standard classrooms to create opportunities for group meetings and multi-purpose spaces. The unique design concept includes outdoor areas directly adjacent to the interior flex breakout and STEM spaces with large openings to allow projects to be moved outdoors.
The design concept was developed through utilizing the Design Advisory Group (DAG) process and established Littleton Public Schools goals and vision for the project. The DAG was comprised of 29 members representing community members, parents, teachers, District staff, and the design team. DAG and User Group meetings, numbering nearly 20, enabled the community and District to provide vital input throughout the design process. The design concept was developed through utilizing the Design Advisory Group (DAG) process and established Littleton Public Schools goals and vision for the project.