Potomac Shores Middle School

Grade-Level Learning Communities

The school's three-story design accommodates 1,450 students, with each grade occupying its own floor. A circular pathway connects public, shared, and academic sections on the first floor, establishing an intuitive flow. Distinctive overhead woodwork with a waterfall design marks gathering zones within each grade level. Built-in benches create natural transitions between classrooms and production laboratories. Each grade level displays its identity through accent walls and furnishings in red, yellow, or blue. Low locker bays, positioned centrally in academic wings, create collaborative alcoves that can transform into additional learning stations as storage needs change. Each academic wing includes quiet zones where teachers plan lessons and hold team meetings near their classrooms.

Media Center as Learning Nexus

Double-height windows illuminate the central media center, modulated by automated shading systems. Students pass through a secure entry sequence leading directly to this academic heart of the building. A signature wall combines inspirational quotes with school identity graphics, visible from both levels. The media center connects to an enclosed courtyard, encouraging movement between indoor and outdoor learning settings.

Production and Technology Spaces

Each academic wing contains maker laboratories for hands-on learning. Planning sections flow into fabrication zones equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters. Work stations include overhead power reels for flexible equipment arrangements. Adjacent breakout rooms accommodate focused teamwork, with dedicated outdoor balconies extending each maker space for project testing and group discussion.

The STEAM laboratory complex spans the second and third floors, positioned centrally for all grade levels. Three interconnected rooms facilitate project development: preparation, production with computer numerical control machines and vinyl cutters, and material storage. Windows overlook the media center, connecting technical instruction with the school's academic core.

Community Spaces and Security

A "main street" corridor connects the gymnasium, auditorium, and cafeteria, providing separate entrances for after-hours events while maintaining academic privacy. The auditorium transforms through a movable overhead partition into a 300-seat lecture hall with retractable seating. Its flat floor accommodates performances, presentations, and gatherings, with the adjacent cafeteria serving as a reception area.

Clear sightlines and strategic administrative placement enable natural supervision across multiple levels. A centralized system secures academic wings instantly when activated, simultaneously frosting glass panels and lowering shades in public areas to limit visibility. The enclosed courtyard offers protected outdoor learning with built-in chalkboards and tiered seating.

Resource-Efficient Systems

External sun shading devices complement high-performance mechanical equipment to minimize energy consumption. Roofing materials and glazing selections reflect detailed analysis of thermal performance and daylight control, contributing to the project's Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR certification.

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