Midland ISD Barbara Fasken Elementary
Barbara Fasken and Southwest Elementary Schools were designed for grades Pre-K through 6th, with each campus featuring 35 general classrooms, specials rooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria with stage, media center, and collaborative spaces. Each grade level is organized into its own “Neighborhood,” including a Multi-Purpose Instructional Area (MPIA), two to five classrooms, a teacher collaboration space, and one-on-one rooms for small group work or tutoring. Classrooms are connected by retractable, acoustically rated walls to support flexible group sizes and team teaching. The design reflects a balance between collaboration and focused learning.
Planning Rooted in Research and Community Input
Early planning centered on traditional layouts but evolved through a collaborative design process. PSC’s SoFIA research presentation helped spark new ideas, leading to interactive charrettes with administrators, trustees, and principals. This process shaped concepts like student collaboration, outdoor learning, and pedestrian-friendly campus design—building consensus across stakeholders.
Outdoor Learning with a Lesson in Sustainability
Each school includes terraced outdoor classrooms directly accessible from learning areas. A cistern collects HVAC condensate with visible piping to help students observe water collection in action—reinforcing environmental awareness and hands-on science learning just steps from the classroom.
