Odessa Shannon Middle School’s mission to provide a safe and supportive learning community for students to reach their greatest potential through equitable teaching and learning was the foundation for the new design. Originally built in 1966, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) replaced Odessa Shannon Middle School with a new facility for students in sixth through eighth grades.
Many aspects of the building design, site plan, and phasing plan were influenced by the 40-foot sloping terrain and the limited site availability due to the existing building continuing to operate during construction. The building design utilizes the sloping terrain to provide at-grade access to multiple levels of the building.
With a diverse population and 75 percent of students receiving free or reduced lunch, the design team was challenged with elevating the middle school experience with learning spaces that support students academically and socially. The school offers a 21st-century learning environment with numerous flexible and collaborative spaces. One of the main features is the social stair, which connects students and staff to the three floors, provides a space for students to socialize in between classes or at lunch, and offers a space for class presentations. The project was Designed to Earn the Energy Star and earned three Green Globes.
