Patuxent Valley Middle School
Modernizing pods + campus security
Built in 1989, the original facility relied on open classroom pods separated by thin folding partitions, which created acoustic challenges for modern instruction. Renovation efforts replaced these temporary dividers with permanent walls, significantly improving sound control across all general classrooms.
Reconfigured central stairwells now connect first-floor academic areas directly to second-floor art, music, and family and consumer science suites.
To overhaul site security, a new main entry addition brings the administrative office down to the ground floor, creating a secure entrance vestibule that allows staff to monitor all visitors directly at the door alongside an expanded, state-regulated health suite.
Expanding capacity + upgrading infrastructure
To eliminate reliance on temporary modular classrooms, the project added permanent full-sized classrooms and dedicated small-group rooms for specialized speech and reading instruction.
Systemic upgrades included new mechanical and electrical spaces to house completely overhauled building systems.
A new geothermal wellfield was installed beneath the campus, leveraging ground-source energy to reduce utility costs and improve long-term energy performance.
Achieving LEED certification
Sustainable construction strategies focused heavily on adaptive reuse, preserving the majority of the existing exterior walls, floors, and roof structures to divert waste from landfills.
The facility achieved LEED Certified status by pairing its geothermal system with localized lighting and temperature controls, low-VOC interior finishes, and regionally sourced materials containing high recycled content.