A School Designed for the In-Between Year

Eighth grade sits at an important crossroads. Students are no longer quite in middle school, but they have not yet stepped into the independence and expectations of high school. The Sequoyah 8th Grade Academy was created to give Broken Arrow students a place designed specifically for that transition—one that offers greater independence, stronger community, and room to prepare for what comes next.

Funded through the district’s 2015 bond issue, the 50,000-square-foot academy also provided a practical response to significant overcrowding at Sequoyah Middle School. Originally considered as part of a standalone sixth middle school, the project evolved as construction costs rose. By locating the new academy adjacent to the existing Sequoyah campus, Broken Arrow Public Schools gained critical classroom capacity while avoiding the infrastructure and operating costs of an entirely separate school.

Creating Identity, Connection, and a Safer Campus

SEGA gives eighth-grade students their own identity while remaining connected to the larger Sequoyah community. A contemporary black-and-gold exterior reflects school spirit, while a protected entry courtyard features a custom perforated metal screen inspired by the school mascot’s tiger stripes. Large expanses of glass bring daylight inside and create a welcoming presence at the campus edge.

Inside, 22 general classrooms, two science labs, administrative spaces, and a flexible student commons support both learning and everyday interaction. The commons serves as the heart of the academy, with varied seating and a central feature stair that can accommodate more than 200 students for studying, dining, gathering, and informal events. Wood ceiling panels add warmth while helping control acoustics in the large shared space.

Safety was equally central to the planning. Secure entries, vandal-resistant glazing, a two-story storm shelter, and carefully separated pedestrian, bus, and vehicle circulation help protect students without making the building feel institutional. Construction was also completed over 18 months while the adjoining middle school remained fully operational.

Project Highlights

50,000 SF Two-Story School

22 General Classrooms

Two Science Labs

Student Commons

200+ Student Gathering Capacity

Two-Story Storm Shelter

Secure Entry Vestibule

Expanded Parent Drop-Off

31-Bus Capacity

Separated Pedestrian + Vehicle Circulation

Occupied Campus Construction

Cost-Conscious Campus Expansion

FAQ: Broken Arrow Public Schools Sequoyah 8th Grade Academy

Q: What is the Sequoyah 8th Grade Academy?

A: The Sequoyah 8th Grade Academy, or SEGA, is a dedicated eighth-grade facility within Broken Arrow Public Schools designed to support students as they transition from middle school toward high school.

Q: Why did Broken Arrow Public Schools build a separate eighth-grade academy?

A: The academy helps relieve overcrowding at Sequoyah Middle School while giving eighth graders an environment tailored to their academic, social, and developmental transition into high school.

Q: How did the project address budget concerns?

A: Rather than constructing an entirely new middle school campus, the district located the academy adjacent to the existing Sequoyah campus, reducing the need for duplicate infrastructure and long-term operational expenses.

Q: What spaces are included in SEGA?

A: The 50,000-square-foot building includes 22 general classrooms, two science labs, administrative spaces, a large student commons, and a two-story storm shelter sized to protect everyone in the building.

Q: How does the design improve student safety?

A: Safety features include a secure entry vestibule with intercom access, vandal-resistant glazing, a two-story storm shelter, protective planning within the commons, and separated pedestrian, bus, and vehicle circulation.

Q: What makes the student commons important to the academy?

A: The commons acts as the social heart of SEGA, offering flexible seating for studying, dining, gathering, and meeting. A central feature learning stair with tiered seating allows the space to accommodate more than 200 students at once.