Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

California Junior High School Completes Conversion to Middle School

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/19/24

The Fremont Unified School District in Fremont, California, recently finished a multi-phase conversion to Thornton Middle School that will increase the school’s student population by almost 50 percent with the addition of sixth-grade students, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and Blach Construction for the project that totaled 45,000 square feet of new construction and 57,000 square feet of renovation and modernization.

The campus conversion includes a new, two-story administration building featuring student support services and a library; five new two-story classroom buildings that were completed in 2022; and upgrades to all existing classroom buildings, multipurpose buildings, and locker rooms.

“The modern and flexible educational and support spaces that now make up Thornton Middle School provide each grade level with inspiring facilities to learn and grow,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak. “This has been a complex and fulfilling project to see through to the finish line, and the outcome is a testament to the teamwork of all parties involved.”

Sustainability features include solar-readiness, metal roofing panels, energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency mechanical systems and water-efficient plumbing systems, eco-friendly interior systems, and LED lighting. Renovations also saw the introduction of bio-swales for stormwater management and drought-tolerant landscaping.

“With every aspect of the campus affected by the multiple phases of construction, advance planning and coordination were invaluable to project success,” said Blach Project Executive Brad Fannin. “From the prefabrication of wall panels to the sequencing of work, we employed solutions from the outset that would maintain functionality and safety for Thornton’s students and staff.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.

  • How a Portable Sink Helped an Art Classroom Run More Smoothly

    Classroom design decisions can have outsized effects on instructional time and safety at schools juggling mismatched infrastructure, strict budgets, and crowded schedules — particularly in the arts. Between spilled paint and dirty brushes, art classes run smoother with a sink in the studio. But many schools don’t have a sink in every art classroom.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.