Gary D. Jewel Middle School
Aurora, IL

The new Gary D. Jewel Middle School, designed by Perkins & Will, provides a comprehensive learning environment for grades six through eight. Projected to accommodate 800 students, this school represents a key element of the West Aurora School District's ambitious system-wide renovation and expansion program.

The driving factor in the school's design was to effectively accommodate a program which permits varied teaching and learning approaches. The resulting plan is notable for its three academic clusters, one for each grade level that provide integrated, flexible learning environments. Each cluster has flexible classrooms and well-equipped science labs grouped around an interior courtyard. Spread throughout the cluster are small group rooms for counseling, tutoring, and special projects. Each cluster has independent access that meets the specific needs of a given grade level.

The art room, technology center, library, outdoor courtyard, and music wing provide shared, integrated facilities for use as both a "hands-on" educational environment and as a community resource.

Visit Perkins & Will's K-12 Project List or contact Steven Turckes for more information about Perkins & Will's Educational Design Group.