A special purpose school serving children with communicative disorders and other sensory needs, Magnolia Speech School in Jackson, MS, needed a new facility to expand services to reach more children. Working closely with various stakeholders in a joint venture, Dean Architecture and Mackey Mitchell designed a new 30,000 SF school to provide Magnolia Speech School with modern spaces designed for enhanced learning. In addition to traditional school needs, the new facility includes an outpatient clinic and Multi-purpose Room.

MMA started the process by meeting with key stakeholders, teachers, and therapists at the school to gather information about instructional needs, teacher wishes, and their vision for the school’s future. A program was then developed that divided the facility into three efficient wings that create protected exterior spaces that can be used as play spaces and outdoor classrooms. The north wing is comprised of 13 classrooms, an Art/Music room, a Computer Room, and a “glassy” Library that is nestled into the existing tree line to create a “treehouse in the woods.” The central wing houses the administrative offices, main entry lobby, and clinic, and the south wing is made up of the Lunch Room and large Multi-Purpose Room.