The true spirit of education lies in the joy of learning, and Dixie Middle School captures that essence with its dynamic, dignified design. NWL designed the light-filled, modern school to replace an aging and outdated educational facility, and in doing so, helped establish a new standard of academic design excellence for Washington County School District.

The 164,896-square-foot, 3-story school was designed with a compact footprint to accommodate crucial campus green space and the re-configuration of the neighboring high school baseball complex – a design challenge that called for ingenuity and expert planning. The school’s efficient layout and phasing also allowed for minimal disruption to classes and extracurriculars during construction.  

Constructed from load-bearing tilt-up concrete wall panels and concrete masonry on a steel frame, the school features a compelling modern rectangular design theme that resonates throughout the building. Dramatic aluminum storefront windows make use of natural light and are echoed by suspended rectangular light fixtures that bring luminescent geometry further indoors.

Staggered teal and green rectangle wall motifs tie in the multi-varied hues of the school’s surrounding landscape and are accented by the Dixie Eagle’s vivid mascot blue, while a giant chessboard in the commons area adds visual interest to the interiors while adding an uplifting sense of whimsy to the scholastic experience. The building’s upper-level exterior features metal panel cladding that provides striking contrast to the rest of the building’s earthy red masonry and concrete exteriors that echo the surrounding desertscape hues. The school was completed in August 2015, welcoming the majestic Dixie Eagles back in fall semester.