Named as a tribute to the Lenni Lenape indigenous tribe, Black Rock Middle School is no small project. This $90-million building, originally proposed in 2016, began construction in August 2020. Now, it’s opening its doors to 1,100 fifth through eighth graders, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.  

The 208,000 square foot school is part of Lower Merion School District and is supposed to keep up with the township’s population boom. According to demographic studies, more families with children have been moving into the township, and it’s been a lot for the other two middle schools, Welsh Valley and Bala Cynwyd to handle on their own.

Despite expansions to the schools, the district needed another building.  

The three-story building has remarkable things taking place inside. It holds state-of-the-art upgrades (including a theatre with retractable seating), multiple gymnasiums, and ample open space for congregating and socializing.

The classrooms are a game-changer as well. They’ve been replaced by flexible spaces that encourage student collaboration.  

“We know our students will have jobs that don’t exist yet, and we want to prepare our kids with hands-on, problem-based learning so they can take information and come up with solutions. This space was built to do that,” said principal Sarah Stout. 

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place October 1. Students will lead tours of their new school after the ceremony.  

Read more about Montgomery County schools in Main Line Today.