The first new middle school in three decades for Spokane Public Schools, Pauline Flett Middle School was designed in 2020 entirely online. The future staff and students determined the new vision and mission of being a community center. The concept commits to the student commons for a strong, centrally focused school community. All programs within the school have presence to the student commons, but the main public and student entries have a presence toward the community.
Creating a warm, welcoming, community-focused school was a primary emphasis to foster environments that feel comfortable for sixth graders transitioning from elementary school, while mature enough for eighth graders preparing for high school.
Student and family focused spaces are seamlessly integrated into the natural pathways for students, promoting connection and access to the Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC), the counseling center, the learning commons, courtyard spaces, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports flex classroom, and various specialty learning spaces. Creating a variety of spaces enables students to develop connections and relationships where they feel most comfortable. While the commons serves as the center of the school, views to the outdoors further fosters connection to the outdoors and the broader community.
