Aiken County Public Schools
Highland Springs Middle School
This new elementary and middle school campus serves 1,250 students on a thoughtfully planned 146,885‑square‑foot site designed to support both learning and community. Delivered in two phases, the campus provides distinct, age‑appropriate learning environments for elementary and middle school students while bringing the school community together through shared spaces such as administration, media centers, and food service. Designed with sustainability in mind, the campus incorporates Energy Star–driven strategies that promote long‑term efficiency and stewardship. The project was recognized for its design excellence with the 2025 A4LE South Carolina Merit Award for New Construction.
LOCATION: North Augusta, SC
SIZE: 146,885 SF
COMPLETED: 2023
We are incredibly pleased with the work of LS3P and look forward to continuing our partnership with them as we address the needs of our growing community. I highly recommend LS3P without reservation and am confident they will bring the same level of commitment and excellence to any future projects they undertake.
Dr. Corey Murphy | Superintendent
A Shared‑Campus Model for Growth, Efficiency, and Identity
Highland Springs Middle School is the first phase of an innovative shared‑campus strategy designed to serve a rapidly growing community while minimizing long‑term operational and environmental impacts. The middle school strategically incorporates shared core infrastructure for a future elementary school, enabling independent school identities while reducing construction, maintenance, transportation, and site disturbance. A compact, cost‑effective plan balances security, clarity, and flexibility through CPTED‑informed circulation, abundant daylight, high‑performance building systems, and adaptable learning environments that support collaboration and academic rigor. Prominent placement of arts, science, and special education spaces reinforces inclusivity and student visibility, while courtyards and outdoor learning areas extend instruction beyond the classroom. Architecturally, the project establishes a strong sense of place for a new community, drawing from regional river, bridge, and historic forms to create a durable, inspiring facility that sets a high standard for future development—delivered through close collaboration and completed on time and under budget.
Awards
A4LE South Carolina Merit Award for New Construction