Frequently Asked Questions about the Middle School Transformation Update

What changes are coming to Northwestern Middle School during the 2024-25 school year?

• Over the past two years, the Northwestern Middle School site has undergone a number of improvements to transform into a K-8 visual and performing arts academy. BCPS is now excited to move into the final construction phases to complete Northwestern’s transformation, staying on timeline to be completed by fall 2025.

• Northwestern will undergo final renovations during the 2024-25 school year as it transitions to a K-8 Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Upon completion in the fall of 2025, the school will boast fully equipped studios for visual and performing arts; a fully renovated K-5 wing; a brand-new welcome center, a digital graphics and video production lab; renovations to the auditorium, gym, and pool; and more.

• To ensure the vision for Northwestern becomes a reality in time for the 2025-26 school year, the district has put forth a plan to the school board today to temporarily pause operations for the upcoming 2024-25 school year at Northwestern Middle School while the final stages of construction are finished.

What will the Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts offer?

• In the fall of 2025, Northwestern will welcome students back into the fully transformed Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, offering students at BCPS enhanced opportunities to learn through and excel in the arts.

• BCPS looks forward to Northwestern’s future as an epicenter of arts education, expression, and experience, one where BCPS students can explore their passions by attending and participating in community performances, connecting with local artists, and discovering new ways to express themselves.

Why are these changes coming to Northwestern?

• Thanks to the Battle Creek community’s approval of the $44.8 million middle school transformation bond in 2021, Northwestern Middle School is in the process of transitioning into a K-8 academy of visual and performing arts. For more information on the middle school transformation bond, click here.

• transformation bond, click here.

Can Springfield Middle School accommodate additional students for the 2024-25 school year?

• While Springfield will be welcoming new students next school year, the anticipated total enrollment at the school is projected at 500 students, below the building's capacity of 600. As Springfield welcomes additional educators and support staff from Northwestern, they will utilize all available classroom spaces to ensure all staff will still be able to provide the same personalized attention to students for the 2024-25 school year.

How will parents be updated on the progress of the construction and transition plans?

• BCPS will keep an open line of communication with families, staff, students, and the community to help answer any questions about Northwestern’s final transformation during the 2024-25 school year to ensure minimal disruption for all students. This includes emails and letters sent to impacted families, and updates on the BCPS website.

• School information sessions are currently being scheduled and will be communicated to families of impacted students.

• For any immediate questions or concerns, please reach out to your current building leadership or contact info@battlecreekpublicschools.org.

How will students be affected by Northwestern’s renovations during the 2024-25 school year?

• BCPS is proposing a plan to the school board to temporarily pause school operations at Northwestern during the 2024-25 school year. Following the proposed plan, Middle school students not attending BC STEM during the 2024-25 school year will be assigned to either Springfield Middle School or a new Sixth Grade Academy.

• Pending school board approval, this proposed plan will:

  • Allow for the time and space needed to redesign the educational experience and create the school environment our students deserve.

  • Allow for sizable construction work over the next year to proceed without interruption.

  • Provide added assurance that Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts will be launched at 100% completion in the fall of 2025.

Where will students be temporarily welcomed for the 2024-25 school year?

• Rising 7th and 8th graders who attend Northwestern Middle School will attend Springfield Middle School during the 2024-25 school year.

• All rising 6th graders who attend Fremont International Academy (a non-boundary school) will attend Springfield during the 2024-25 school year.

• All other 6th graders will attend either Springfield or the temporary Sixth Grade Academy at Ann J. Kellogg Elementary during the 2024-25 school year:

  • Rising 6th graders who attend Valley View Elementary will attend Springfield.

  • Rising 6th graders who attend Ann J. Kellogg and Verona Elementary will attend the new, temporary Sixth Grade Academy located in its own wing of Ann J. Kellogg Elementary.

• Students currently enrolled in or accepted to attend BC STEM next year will continue to attend BC STEM as planned.

• School assignments for rising 6th graders will be based on the student’s current school, and families will receive direct communication before summer break, including a mailed letter home, that confirms their school assignment for the 2024-25 school year.

What is the Sixth Grade Academy at Ann J. Kellogg?

• BCPS is excited that in the 2024-25 school year, there will be a wing of Ann J. Kellogg dedicated to the temporary Sixth Grade Academy, pending board approval of our proposed plan.

• This move has the potential to have a great impact on rising 6th graders by providing a soft transition to middle school with a similar environment and support system to what they have grown accustomed to during their 3rd- to 5th-grade elementary years.

Can my student change their middle school assignment for the 2024-25 school year?

• Families wishing for their student to attend a different school than their assignment for the 2024-25 school year will need to complete the in-district transfer process. As always, transfers may be limited in availability based on building capacity. Learn more through the BCPS Office of Student Services or reach out to studentservices@battlecreekpublicschools.org.

Will transportation be available for relocated students for the 2024-25 school year?

• Yes. To ensure that all students are able to attend their assigned schools, busing routes will be adjusted to provide transportation to and from school for those eligible for transportation.

How will school reassignment affect extracurricular activities and events?

• BCPS understands how important activities like athletics and band are to our middle school students. The district is actively working on plans to provide consistency in students’ extracurricular activities during the 2024-25 school year and will provide updates as they become available.

For additional questions, please email info@battlecreekpublicschools.org.