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Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/08/26

Key Takeaways

  • Springfield Public Schools celebrated the opening of new facilities for Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy, replacing two century-old school buildings.
  • The roughly 114,750-square-foot Pipkin Middle School had a project budget of about $53.1 million, while the approximately 128,900-square-foot Reed Academy had a budget of about $59.5 million.
  • Both schools feature modern academic and collaborative learning environments, with Pipkin supporting International Baccalaureate programming and Reed offering extensive fine and performing arts spaces.

Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

The new Pipkin Middle School measures about 114,750 square feet and replaces a 101-year-old facility located about a quarter-mile away. The district partnered with Paragon Architecture for the school’s design and Crossland Construction for construction. The project had a budget of about $53.1 million, local news reports.

Designed to serve students in grades 6–8, the new facility includes core classrooms, science labs, collaboration areas, flexible program space, and dedicated areas for special education. Pipkin is also an International Baccalaureate World School. Other amenities include spaces for choir, orchestra and band, as well as a gymnasium, weight room and multipurpose space.

Reed Academy, meanwhile, replaces the school’s previous century-old building on North Lyon Avenue. The roughly 128,900-square-foot facility was designed by Sapp Design Associates and built by DeWitt & Associates. The project had a budget of about $59.5 million.

Reed serves grades 6–8 with a focus on fine and performing arts. The new building includes 21 core classrooms, six science combination labs, two collaboration spaces and about 23,620 square feet dedicated to performing arts education. Specialized spaces support choir, world dance, band and orchestra, while a multipurpose auditorium provides a stage, sound booth and seating for about 450 people.

“These aren’t just new buildings; it's a massive step forward,” said Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan. “We now have bright, flexible learning spaces, advanced safety and security and fully accessible facilities designed for every single student.”

Both projects are part of the district’s broader Proposition S facilities improvement program.

About the Author

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

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