Jackson-Madison County Pope School

Project Statement

This project presented an opportunity not only to replace an aging 1940s-era elementary school, but also to establish a long-term vision for educational growth within the community. In partnership with the School System, the team led a site selection and master planning process that identified a new greenfield campus capable of supporting both a state-of-the-art Pre-K through 8th grade school and a future high school.

The resulting 142,700 SF Pre-K through 8th grade facility was thoughtfully designed to serve the existing school community while introducing flexible, Next Generation learning environments that support evolving educational needs. The building maximizes access to natural daylight, showcases views of the surrounding landscape, and is strategically planned to accommodate future expansion. Grade levels are organized to foster age-appropriate learning experiences, with Pre-K through 5th grade located on the ground floor and grades 6 through 8 occupying the second level, creating a natural progression for students as they transition into adolescence.

A highly collaborative effort among design professionals, School System leadership, educators, and community stakeholders shaped every aspect of the project. The design emphasizes a strong connection between interior and exterior environments, encouraging exploration, engagement, and experiential learning while maintaining district-level safety and security standards. Through the integration of advanced technology, adaptable learning spaces, and forward-thinking design strategies, the school provides an innovative environment that supports education, collaboration, and student development for generations to come.

The campus further enhances the learning experience through a variety of indoor-outdoor educational opportunities. Covered outdoor spaces are seamlessly connected to key program areas, including the Media Center, Art classrooms, Cafeteria, and Gymnasium, where outdoor areas can even function as an extension of stage and performance spaces. These flexible environments promote hands-on learning, creativity, and community engagement beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Supporting both student safety and community resilience, the Pre-K and Kindergarten wing is engineered to function as a FEMA-compliant tornado shelter. This critical feature provides enhanced protection for the school's youngest learners during severe weather events while also serving as an easily accessible community shelter after school hours. By integrating this federally funded resiliency component into the educational facility, the project extends its impact beyond the school day, reinforcing the campus's role as a vital civic resource and safe haven for the broader community.

Design for Equitable Communities

This elementary school was envisioned as an inclusive learning environment where every student is empowered to succeed through equitable access to resources, support, and purposefully designed spaces. Specialized learning environments, including self-contained special education classrooms, sensory rooms, resource areas, and collaborative learning settings, are thoughtfully woven into the fabric of the school rather than separated from it. By integrating these spaces within the broader learning community, the design promotes belonging, dignity, and meaningful engagement while supporting diverse learning styles, abilities, and pathways to success.


Design for Well-Being

The design prioritizes student and educator well-being through a diverse range of learning environments that support engagement, collaboration, and focused individual work. Flexible breakout areas, library learning zones, study rooms, and professional learning spaces provide settings for both structured instruction and informal exchange. Expansive glazing, visual connectivity, and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces foster a sense of openness and community, creating a healthy, inspiring environment that enhances both teaching and learning.


Design for Change

Flexibility and resilience are embedded within the foundation of this school's design. Designed to support both present and future generations of learners, this school’s dynamic mix of learning, collaboration, and support spaces creates an adaptable environment capable of supporting evolving pedagogical approaches, future growth, and community needs.


Beyond its role as a place of learning, the facility serves as a critical community resource through its FEMA-rated storm shelter, transforming the school into a center of safety and support during emergency events. This dual purpose strengthens the building's long-term relevance and deepens its connection to the community it serves.


Design for Ecosystems

Resilience is embedded throughout the school's design, from the stewardship of natural resources to the protection of the people it serves. Sensitive ecological features are preserved through stream-buffer protection and sustainable stormwater management practices, while the FEMA-rated storm shelter strengthens community preparedness by providing a safe refuge during emergency events. Together, these strategies create a forward-looking facility that balances environmental responsibility with human-centered design.


The result is a school that extends beyond its educational purpose to serve as a lasting community cornerstone. By fostering equity, well-being, and adaptability, the design supports diverse student needs while providing the flexibility required to meet future educational and community aspirations.