LBUSD Celebrated the Transformation of Washington Middle School

On Wednesday, January 29, Long Beach Unified educators and civil leaders gathered to celebrate the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the long-awaited rebuild of Washington’s five-acre campus.

An exciting transformation is underway at Washington Middle School, a campus with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. With over 900 students making their school home on just 5.1 acres, it is the most densely populated middle school in the District. To address this issue and ensure its students' success, the school is undergoing a complete remodeling that honors its history while embracing technological advancements.

“Washington Middle School has long been a place of resilience, learning and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker. “This transformation is not just about new buildings—it’s about creating a learning environment that truly supports and inspires our students. By blending innovation with the school’s rich history, we are ensuring that Washington Middle School remains a cornerstone of education in Long Beach for generations to come.” 

The first step consists of the demolition of four aging buildings located at the center of the campus. In its place will emerge a vibrant new courtyard with green spaces designed for outdoor learning, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and a two-story classroom building featuring high-tech spaces for the school’s robotics and additional specialty programs.

On the opposite ends of the campus, a newly combined cafeteria and auditorium building will be constructed, along with an updated parking structure with a rooftop and all-weather field for outdoor activities. The school's iconic administration building, reflecting its 1930s roots, will undergo renovation for earthquake safety and expansion for larger classrooms.

During the project's planning, great care was taken to preserve and repurpose many of the artifacts on campus. Much of the Art Deco was incorporated back into the design, ensuring that Washington’s legacy is protected and remembered with its modernization. These essential updates aim to enhance the student experience by prioritizing efficiency and creating a better learning environment, all made possible by LBUSD’s Measure Q, which is funding Washington’s transformation.

Long Beach Unified’s Washington Project was welcomed and applauded by guests during Wednesday’s celebration. Colorful renderings of the modifications were shown to attendees depicting the bright future that is to come for the Washington community. Speeches from directors, superintendent Dr. Jill Baker and Washington's principal, Roshann Williams, reaffirmed the exceptional achievement of rebuilding the school.

“We didn’t have ‘modern’ for a long time,” remarked Williams. “This project is a gift, not just to the students who will attend Washington in the years to come, but to the educators, the staff, families and the community members that have supported us every step of the way.”

To view the video on this incredible celebration, please click the link here.