The new Sequoyah 8th Grade Academy expands the capacity of Broken Arrow Public Schools while providing students with a safe, modern learning environment tailored to their transition between middle school and high school.
Funded through the district’s 2015 bond issue, the 50,000-square-foot, two-story facility addresses overcrowding at Sequoyah Middle School—once “bursting at the seams,” according to BAPS Director of Construction Services Mike Leitch. Originally envisioned as a sixth standalone middle school, the plan evolved into a more cost-conscious solution after construction costs escalated nearly 60% since 2015. By building adjacent to the existing Sequoyah campus, the district delivered critical classroom space while avoiding the infrastructure and operational expenses of an entirely new campus.
Safety and resilience were key drivers in the design. The academy includes a storm shelter, a secure entry vestibule with an intercom system, and vandal-resistant glass. A strategically placed concrete wall in the commons provides students with an added layer of protection in the event of an external threat.
Despite 18 months of construction activity on a fully operating campus, Sequoyah Middle School remained open and engaged throughout the process. With construction completed in time for the 2025–26 school year, the Sequoyah 8th Grade Academy offers immediate relief to growing enrollment while setting the stage for future academic success.
