Metro Middle School &
Early College High School

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Architects: Moody Nolan & Perkins & Will
MEP Engineer: Korda Nemeth Engineering
General Contractor: Ruscilli Construction
Completion Date: 2025

Exterior image of Metro Middle School and Early High School as students are dismissed for the day.
Students walking towards the front of Metro High School building in Columbus, Ohio
View of new wood front door which was fabricated to match the original front door of Indianola Junior High School
Aerial view of the historic Indianola Junior High building, which was the first dedicated middle school to open in the United States.
Courtyard view on a sunny day, with shadows cascading across the facade. Students walk to and from classes.
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Interior view of a long corridor showcasing interior design features like reading niches and work tables.
Close up view of a corridor work area, as a teacher walks by and a student works from a stool in front of a white board. Pops of color accent the space vibrantly.
Restored historic staircase in the original Indianola Junior High building, which is now Metro Schools located in Columbus, Ohio.
Open lockers and perch seating are a feature in the corridors, while a beautiful curved light is featured down the middle.
View of the wood feature wall near the front doors of the building. Students walk through as classes change.
Elegant natural light spills into the arched corridor just outside of the student dining area.
Student dining serves as a community space called "The Hub", where various grades can gather to collaborate, eat lunch, or watch assemblies. This space was the former auditorium in the historic building.
Additional view of "The Hub", which was formerly the auditorium in this historic school.
Flexible classrooms add additional function, allowing classrooms to open up toward each other and foster collaboration.
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Exterior view of Metro Middle School & Early College High School; the lights glow as the sun begins to set.
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Refurbished baskets were preserved, maintaining authentic detail.
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Aerial view of the courtyard, showcasing the layout of sidewalks, green spaces and the glow of classroom windows overlooking.

 Metro Middle School and Early College High School in Columbus, Ohio, is located in a fully renovated historic school building near the Ohio State University campus. Designed by Perkins & Will and Moody Nolan, the architecture integrates open commons, specialized STEM labs, and adaptable classrooms to support project-based learning and early college preparation. Thoughtful material selections, adaptive reuse of original building features, and an emphasis on natural light contribute to an inspiring space for students to learn.

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