Concord Middle School
Replacing a deteriorating 1957 building that is both challenging to navigate and supervise, the new Concord Middle School will provide a supportive, welcoming, and community-focused learning environment upon opening in 2029.
Concord, NH
210,000 sf
6 – 8
900
Tracking NE-CHPS Verified Leader
The school’s organizing idea is its “main street,” which serves as both a connective path through the building and a hub for student activity. Public and academic areas are located on opposite sides of the main street, allowing the academic zone to remain secure and separate when the school is used for community events.
The main street is warm and inviting with ample and diffuse daylight from skylights along the sloped roof and views to the courtyard and site beyond. With varied seating, study nooks, and a prominent ramp that underscores Concord’s commitment to inclusive design, this flexible space accommodates student dining and gatherings of all scales.
Iterations of Concord Middle School’s “main street,” used for circulation, dining, and gathering.
To create an appropriate scale for this 900-student middle school, the academic wing is divided into grade-level neighborhoods, each containing three learning pods. The pods function as self-contained learning communities complete with classrooms, science labs, small group breakout spaces for flexible instruction, and a collaborative project area. This model provides students with a strong sense of belonging and ensures they receive the enrichment and support services needed to excel socially and academically.
Designed to meet high standards for efficiency and sustainability, the school will be all-electric and net-zero energy, utilizing a ground-source heat pump system for heating and cooling and a solar array to produce energy on site.
