The Bush School
Our Community
Education Master Plan

Center Campus Middle School Project

The Vision

This project centers students’ experience by creating spaces for our K-12 community to gather, work, and learn together in our new Center Campus.

In recent years, Bush has invested in Lower School and Upper School facilities. Through this building project, we will transform our Middle School and Center Campus. As one of the largest building projects in the school’s history, this project will strengthen our entire K-12 community as we launch into the next century.

COMPONENTS

Creating a True Center Campus

  • A new inviting campus entry, spacious student art gallery, and lobby to welcome students, families, and visitors 
  • A new larger Commons dining hall seating 250 (previously 128) and serving as a flexible multipurpose space 
  • A new Main Office and conference room
  • A K-12 Learning Support Center and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Center

Designing Dynamic Learning Spaces for the Middle School

  • 6 new classrooms and 2 new science labs for the Middle School (two-thirds of Middle School classes across all three grades will take place in the new building)
  • 2 new teacher work spaces for Middle School faculty
  • 2 new collaborative hub spaces for Middle School students and faculty to gather


Frequently Asked Questions

List of 4 items.

  • What will Happen to the Harrison and Republican Wings?

    We are planning to repurpose the Harrison wing by creating a DEI Center, Learning Support Center, and a Makerspace. The Republican wing will receive classroom, teacher workspaces, and other updates.

    Some additional details:
    • Both the Harrison and Republican wings will undergo several common improvements, including new carpeting throughout, interior and exterior painting, installation of acoustical panels and elements, updated casework, and modernized electrical systems and outlets. Ceilings and lighting will remain in most areas, with new ceilings and lighting fixtures added to reworked spaces. The intent is for new furniture for both buildings. Additionally, each building will receive a new mechanical unit for heating and cooling, although windows will not be upgraded in this project. Doors will remain but with new hardware.
     
    • In the Republican wing, three classrooms will be enhanced with new teaching walls and interactive boards. The renovation will also include two teacher workspaces, a laboratory, and a music room. Existing lockers will be replaced with a new two-tier system, while restrooms will be expanded and water fountains will be modified to meet ADA compliance.
     
    • The Harrison wing will feature several new dedicated spaces, including a prayer room, wellness room, and Community, Equity, and Inclusion space. A comprehensive Learning Support Center will be created, offering private tutoring areas, a formal conference space, and general workstations. The wing will also include a Middle School makerspace, which will be equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, a green screen, and a teaching wall with an interactive board.

  • What Environmental Features/Certifications will it Have?

    We are committed to Salmon Safe certification across campus. Additionally, we are considering Zero Carbon, Zero Energy, and Fitwell certifications.

  • How will the Landscaping and Trees Currently Surrounding the Center Campus be Affected?

    We have many exceptional trees in our courtyard, and are happy to report that there will be minimal impact to the current landscaping of the Center Campus.

  • Which Architecture Firm is the School Using?

    We are using Mithun Architects, a highly regarded and award-winning West Coast firm. They are familiar with The Bush School and our unique needs as they designed the Upper School building.

Timeline

We expect to break ground in Q1 2026 and the construction is estimated to last 18 months. We anticipate students beginning the school year in the new building in the fall of 2027.

Benefits

At a fundamental level, the new Center Campus will activate the campus more broadly (inside and outside) as a classroom/learning space. Spaces designed to encourage purposeful interactions across grade levels facilitate a sense of connection and cohesion amongst students.
The Bush School
The Bush School is an independent, coeducational day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 735 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities

3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status
© 2022  The Bush School