BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“The 8th Grade Academy will offer a lot of instructional advantages for students.”

- Dr. Karla Dyess, BAPS Deputy Superintendent

BA 8th Grade Academy

BROKEN ARROW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A 2015 Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) bond issue earmarked $370 million to be appropriated over the course of 12 years. As part of phase III of the bond issue, BAPS decided to update its middle school configuration to include an 8^th Grade Academy that will help reduce class sizes and prepare students for the Freshman Academy. Sited adjacent to Sequoyah Middle School on Elm Place between 91st and 101st, the new 8th Grade Academy will be a 50,000 SF two-story facility. Sequoyah will be open during construction and remain a part of this middle school campus.

The 8th Grade Academy will welcome students, teachers, and visitors with a contemporary black and gold exterior highlighted with large expanses of glass that provide plenty of natural light inside. Secure building entries are accessed through a courtyard protected by a custom perforated metal screen wall with a graphic pattern that resembles tiger stripes inspired by the school’s mascot.

The site will include an expanded parent pick-up/drop-off drive and accommodate 31 buses. Faculty parking will be expanded and foot and vehicular traffic will be separated for pedestrian safety.

Once inside, the middle school includes 22 general classrooms, 2 science labs, an administrative suite, a student commons, and a two-story storm shelter large enough to protect everyone in the building.

The heart of the school

The student commons will be the heart of the school. It will offer a variety of seating options for studying, gathering, lounging, meeting, and dining — all positioned around a central feature staircase with tiered seating. This is a highly flexible space that can accommodate over 200 students.

The interior design will have a simplified sophistication inspired by school spirit. Wood panels adorn the ceiling of the student commons, creating a warm, inviting feel while dampening sound. Throughout, economical yet durable product options are at the forefront of all selections.

This project has been a long time coming for Broken Arrow Public Schools, and the new Academy will greatly improve options for BA students, teachers, and families. The project is currently under construction.