Middle School Project

In alignment with our strategic goal to enhance the learning environment for our students, we are pleased to announce that the construction of the Middle School expansion has begun.

In the SMUS Middle School, we foster inquiry-based and project-based learning, encouraging students to delve deep, unleash their creativity, and embrace new skills. Since 1992, there has been remarkable growth in both student enrolment and faculty and with that growth comes a need for expanded facilities. This expansion marks a significant stride toward creating an inspiring educational environment for our students.

An architect's rendering of the Middle School extension from the northeast

The extension viewed from the north east

An architect's rendering of the exterior of the Middle School extension from the southeast

The exterior from the southeast

An architect's rendering of the exterior of the Middle School extension from the southwest

The exterior from the southwest

An architect's rendering of the Middle School extension from the west

Existing building and extension viewed from the west

An architect's rendering of the interior of the Middle School extension looking toward the main entrance

The interior looking toward the main entrance

An architect's rendering of the upper level atrium of the Middle School extension

The upper level atrium

The Middle School’s evolving educational landscape calls for versatile and inspiring learning spaces, small breakout areas, updated learning commons, and communal spaces that foster socialization and meaningful discussions.

A central focus of the expansion project is our dedicated pursuit of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). We are excited about the advancements in a number of areas and spaces including:

  • advancements in the science laboratories
  • the relocation of the art room to a more inspiring and inviting setting
  • the creation of flexible learning commons
  • enhanced counselling facilities
  • state-of-the-art learning resource centre
  • a dedicated space for robotics, design technology, engineering, and computer science programs

Construction broke ground in mid-June 2024. Current project timelines anticipate that the new building expansion will be ready for early 2026, while renovations on the current building will continue until August 2026.

A group of SMUS representatives including two students, Chair of the Board of Governors, Acting Head of School and Director of Middle School stand with hard hands and shovels at the ground breaking for the Middle School Project.

Photo: June 2024 Ground Breaking. L-R: Student Derek H., Chair of the Board of Governors Shelly Berlin, Acting Head of School Eliot Anderson, Director of Middle School Richard Brambley and student Grace C.

Progress on Construction

June - December 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Contractors started to arrive at SMUS on Tuesday, May 22 to set up and prepare for the start of construction. Actual construction started on Monday, June 17, after students departed for their summer break. The construction of the expansion is expected to finish in early 2026, while further renovations will then be carried out in the current building until the summer of 2026. 

The SMUS Middle School building project is an extension of the current Middle School building. This extension will take place on the south side of the building, which is currently occupied by the outdoor basketball courts and playground.

The new building expansion will be ready for early 2026. Following that, construction on parts of the current building will continue until summer of 2026. 

We do not foresee any changes to programming being offered in the Middle School. We will continue to offer our broad and robust academic and co-curricular programs. There will be no reduction of these offerings in any way. With respect to space, students will not have access to the playground and front entrance of the school. All other physical spaces will remain fully accessible and used.

Historically, the single gym has always been available to Middle School students during the lunch break as a space to play sports and be active with their friends. In September 2024, the single gym will continue to be available at lunch and will also be available for recess breaks moving forward. Field access will remain unchanged, and a place where students can always play during recess and lunch. With respect to the Middle School front entrance, students and faculty will now use the back entrance to the school, located near the gymnasiums, to gain access to the school.

The loss of access to the front entrance of the Middle School will provide the most significant change to families’ routine. All Middle School students will need to be dropped off and enter the school at the back entrance, the one nearest the gymnasium.

We are currently exploring ways to have a SMUS staff member on duty during pick-up and drop-off times to help smooth traffic flow. When possible, plan for extra time for drop-off and pick-up times or, if able, choose alternative methods like walking or cycling to school.

Currently, we do not anticipate the need for any portables or temporary classrooms. All classes will continue as they have in the existing space(s).

Any project on campus can be a great learning opportunity for SMUS students. The SMUS faculty plan on integrating the Middle School project construction into their teaching to provide students with an in-person, first-hand experience.

Communicating with the SMUS community, including future and current Middle School students, is a priority throughout this project. As the project unfolds, we will communicate updates to give parents and the community the confidence that student learning will not be disrupted and that this project is a transparent process. In addition, we are committed to circulating a written update each term.

Related News

Documents

Cover of the Campus Master Plan

Campus Master Plan

Download a copy of the Richmond Road Campus Master Community Summary.