Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

  • By Matt Jones
  • 01/13/26

Key Takeaways

  • Swansea Public Schools has selected Finegold Alexander Architects, through the MSBA process, to lead the feasibility study and schematic design for a new Joseph Case Junior High School serving grades 6–8.
  • Construction of the new junior high, planned to be located next to the existing high school, is scheduled to begin in 2028 and be completed by 2030, with community input shaping the design.
  • The proposed design emphasizes learning neighborhoods, outdoor and naturally lit spaces, and dedicated special education areas to support student engagement and long-term success.

Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

The school will serve students in grades 6–8. Construction is scheduled to start in 2028 and end in 2030, the news release reports.

Finegold Alexander’s project team recently finished the Preferred Schematic Report, which places the new school next to the district’s existing high school. The firm is partnering closely with the local community during the design process to create a facility that meets its specific needs.

“Finegold Alexander Architects is proud to partner with Swansea Public Schools on this essential Joseph Case Junior High School project for the whole community,” said Finegold Alexander’s Regan Shields Ives, Principal and K-12 studio leader. “Our mission aligns seamlessly with the school’s commitment to provide an environment for students to engage, think, and succeed in both their local and global communities.”

Design features are set to include learning neighborhoods, access to outdoor learning, special education areas, and a focus on naturally-lit learning spaces.

“This new school is more than a building, it’s an investment in the future of every child who walks through its doors,” said Scott C. Holcomb, Swansea Superintendent of Schools. “Finegold Alexander’s vision will help us create a place where students can learn, grow, and imagine what’s possible.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.