GATES Construction has started the building of the new Marco Island Academy (MIA), a public charter high school located at 2255 San Marco Road on Marco Island. Designed by LDG Architects, the new 52,761 SF facility will accommodate students in grades nine through twelve. The new school will consist of two wings joined in the center by a beautiful tall curved glass front lobby. The three-story academic wing will house 17 classrooms and science labs, as well as a second-story walk out terrace and green roof garden. MIA places an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and offers an advanced curricula and certification programs in conjunction with the University of Cambridge. The opposite two-story wing will house administrative offices and a gymnasium with multi-use athletics space, basketball court, locker rooms, performing arts stage and performing arts classrooms. Manta Ray Hall, named after the school’s mascot, will be located between the two wings and will feature a café and student lounge. Exterior elements, which will be completed in the project’s final stages, include an entry pavilion, athletics field with stadium bleachers and concession area, expanded parking, and bus loop. For more information on this project, its capital campaign, and opportunities for becoming a named donor, please contact Hilary Noyes, Donor Relations at 239-393-5133 or [email protected], or visit www.missionmia.org.