After years in an outdated 1959 high school, the reimagined Hillside Middle School provides an awe-inspiring learning environment for students in grades 6–8. The “community-centric” design fosters smaller learning communities to provide a sense of belonging and stronger interpersonal relationships among equals. Collaboration spaces throughout act as a refuge that is comfortable, safe, and relaxed, with a balance between supervision and independence. Eighty percent of the old building was demolished, with only the gym and auditorium remaining. This helped direct more funding to the extensive additions and remodeling needed to meet the goal of establishing a much sought-after presence on the constrained site.