Republic Intermediate School in the suburbs of Springfield, Missouri, was designed to meet the needs of a growing community and address overcrowding in elementary and middle schools. Serving 5th and 6th graders, the school bridges the gap between elementary and middle school learning, accommodating over 1,000 students on a 78-acre site with room for future growth. Its prominent location along the main highway not only gives the school a strong presence but also places it within an area primed for future development, reflecting the district’s long-term vision.
The design emphasizes flexibility, collaboration and a strong connection to the outdoors. Classrooms and Project Lead the Way spaces feature modern, adaptable furniture and operable doors to each class, elevating the learning experience while encouraging co-teaching. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the media center and commons area flood the building with natural light and expansive views of the campus. School pride is celebrated throughout, with a large tiger mural stretching across the commons, bold motivating words cast along corridors, and a gymnasium—doubling as a storm shelter—featuring orange acoustical paneling and a mural spelling “TIGERS” with subtle tiger stripes in each letter.
Developed through a highly collaborative process with students, teachers, and district leadership, Republic Intermediate offers a progressive, adaptable learning environment that addresses current needs while preparing for future growth.