Pauline Pascal Flett Middle School
Spokane, Washington
A new civic anchor for community and belonging
As one of the first new middle schools in Spokane Public Schools in over three decades, Pauline Pascal Flett Middle School (Flett Middle School) reimagines education as a place of connection.
Rooted in place and cultural heritage
Located on the divide between Northwest Spokane’s developed urban neighborhoods and the natural landscape of Riverside State Park, Flett Middle School reflects its setting through both form and materials. Much like the movement of water through channels and eddies in the nearby river, a series of connected spaces encourage movement, gathering, and shared use throughout the school. Warm brick tones and grey metal panels draw from the region’s pine forests and basalt rock formations, grounding the building in the character of eastern Washington.
Named in honor of Pauline Flett, a Spokane Tribal elder credited with preserving the Spokane Salish language, the new school elevates student voices and celebrates the cultural diversity of Spokane.
The commons as the social heart of the school
The future staff and students of Flett Middle School envisioned their new school as a vibrant community centered around the commons. This active hub anchors the broader school life, creating transparent shared spaces for educational programs and student support services. The commons encourages daily, natural interactions between students, teachers, and administrators, helping build meaningful relationships across the school community. Teaching and learning is on display—classrooms dedicated to art, music, and CTE are open to the commons, offering students a rich variety of experiences and opportunities.
Neighborhood learning model to foster connection and student choice
To create a learning environment where all students can feel engaged and seen, the design team organized Flett Middle School into six smaller learning communities that radiate off the central commons. These academic neighborhoods encourage a sense of belonging between students, cultivating environments that are comfortable for sixth graders transitioning from elementary school and support eighth grade peers preparing for high school. Designed to be flexible for large group gatherings, small huddles, or individual work, neighborhood spaces adapt to a range of learning styles and needs, enabling students to develop connections and relationships where they feel most comfortable.
Student wellbeing and support
Flett Middle School brings support and resources close to students and families, eliminating barriers and nurturing a learning environment where every student’s curiosity and creativity can thrive. Counseling and student services are integrated throughout the building, where staff can respond to students’ needs in the moment. The dedicated Family and Community Resource Center, located near the commons and main entry, welcome families into the learning community and provide resources that support the whole student in and out of school.
Flett's mission is to be a gathering place where all are seen and empowered to be dreamers, ambitious learners, and involved citizens. The building doesn't just house that mission, it actively supports it every single day.
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