Designing the New
Abington Middle School
Planning work for the design of the new Abington Middle School is underway. This page will serve as the central hub for updates on the design process as the project moves forward.
The District is working with architects, engineers, educational planners, and municipal partners to design a school that meets today’s needs — while remaining adaptable for generations of Abington students to come.
Community input is a key part of this effort, guided by a set of clearly defined design principles.
Where the Design Process Stands Today
Design development is progressing through a series of steps that balance educational goals, safety, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
To date, the design team has:
Conducted site surveys, geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments, and traffic studies
Developed preliminary site plans and interior floor plan concepts
Engaged district administrators, educators, and staff through stakeholder meetings
Submitted early plans for township review as part of the land development process
Begun schematic design that translates educational priorities into physical spaces
As the project advances, this page will be updated with building renderings, site visuals, and refinements to floor plans as they become available.
Designing With Purpose:
Community Middle School Planning Survey
To help inform the design of the new Middle School, the District invited families, staff, and community members to share their priorities through an online survey. With participation from over 1,700 community members, the results provided valuable insight into what matters most for the design of the new Abington Middle School.
Overall, the results demonstrate strong alignment around creating a school that:
Supports high-quality teaching and learning
Fosters student belonging and well-being
Prioritizes safety and security
Can adapt to changing educational needs over time
Is durable, efficient, and easy to maintain
Core Design Principles
Survey respondents were asked about several guiding principles that will shape the look, feel, and function of the new Middle School:
Safety and Security
Designing a school that is welcoming while maintaining clear, well-monitored entry points and secure learning areas.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Ensuring all students, staff, and visitors can fully access and comfortably use school spaces.
Light, Air, and Connection to Nature
Prioritizing natural light, healthy indoor environments, and outdoor learning opportunities where appropriate.
Cost Control and Long-Term Value
Making design decisions that support fiscal responsible, building efficiency, and sustainability over time.
Highest-Rated Design Priorities
When asked to score design principles on a scale of 1–10, respondents consistently rated the following as the most important priorities:
Providing teachers with adequate space and tools to support instruction
Durable, easy-to-maintain infrastructure and building systems
Designing for long-term educational adaptability—not short-term trends
Ensuring students feel a strong sense of belonging within the school community
What Comes Next
Over the coming months, the District and design team will continue refining site plans, floor layouts, and building systems. Upcoming milestones will include:
Community open house opportunities
Release of initial building renderings and views
Additional opportunities for feedback as designs are refined
Ongoing coordination with township and county review agencies
Stay Informed
The Abington Middle School project is a long-term investment in the District’s students and community. We encourage residents to check back often and stay connected.