The Franklin L. Williams Middle School will be innovative as it provides an environment that will nurture adolescents according to their development needs.
The school, which was occupied this September, serves students in grades 6, 7 and 8.
This facility is located at the intersection of Laidlaw and Collard Street at the site of the former city reservoir.
Because of the topography, front entry is sculpted as a large open entry courtyard with cascading steps for students to sit on, gather, talk, or collect themselves before and after school..
Exterior spaces are planned as extensions to the classrooms. For example, the science lab connects to an outdoor learning space and the horticulture lab and greenhouse are situated on the rooftop for sunlight and air.
Entry to the school is from the court providing a controlled single entry.
Playing fields are located on the north side with single access for the students though the school.
The innovative architectural design creates a community entry that is visible and inviting. In addition, the design maximizes daylight.
The color and material palettes for the Franklin L. Williams Middle School were selected with children attending grades 6-8 in mind. A natural background has been established to present the analogous colors as accents in the form of lockers, floors tile and countertops. The accent colors are used to designate specific floors/grades. For example, the red accent is used on the first floor, the yellow on the second, and the orange on the third.
The academic areas, besides the general and special education classrooms, include small group instruction, occupational therapy/physical therapy, science laboratories, math concept lab, world language lab, art room, music/choral room, computer lab, and technology spaces.
