Fern Bacon Middle School Revitalization

Fern Bacon Middle School has been serving 7th and 8th grade students in South Sacramento since its construction in 1960. With over 85,000 sq. ft. of teaching space and 700 students, the campus has aged significantly and no longer meets the needs of modern educational practices. Recognizing the importance of investing in aging facilities—particularly in underserved communities—the Sacramento City Unified School District has allocated over $85 million to upgrade the school.

Nacht & Lewis conducted an in-depth analysis of the students and the broader community served by Fern Bacon. We identified facility deficiencies and collaborated with district educators, school staff, and local parents to define curriculum and infrastructure improvements that would bring the campus into the 21st century. The result is a near-total campus reconstruction. While the multi-purpose and gym buildings will be preserved and modernized, the rest of the campus will be demolished and rebuilt. The new design includes spaces for high school and career pathway programs, as well as dedicated areas for science, art, music, and gardening. Student support services will be enhanced with a wellness center, a community family room, and a professional development center. At the heart of the campus, a large inner courtyard will foster community engagement and promote safety.

The revitalized campus is set to open in Fall 2027, accommodating over 650 students. This transformation is expected to contribute to the neighborhood’s renewal and instill a sense of pride within the Fern Bacon Middle School community.

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