2020-21 Winners

This innovative facility solved community needs and enrollment growth while looking to the horizon for determining future student interests and skills. A total shift in culture occurred with an explosion of STEAM interest across the district. Inspired by industries and growing career needs, the facility serves high school students and provides studios for K-8th grade experiential learning. The rich site provides trails, wetland zone, and natural creek, all expected daily learning environments.

A kinetic and collaborative culture was retrofitted into a 1980s middle school by molding fragmented space into a dynamic and cohesive learning environment. The character of the split-level design endured, elevated by a new 2-story commons that anchors the campus and creates a multipurpose student union. Removal of walls, addition of gathering space and use of teacher design labs create flexibility. Windows and interior glazing connect to nature and filter light through a previously dense space.

A district wanted to re-imagine its elementary prototype. They began with a question: “What does the school of the future mean to you?” Together, nearly 200 students, educators and district leaders envisioned a school with no boundaries, where learning was always on display. Biophilic design elements, connection to the outdoors, flexible small and large learning spaces, grade-level neighborhoods and an iconic, treehouse-inspired commons create a unique and inspirational academic experience.

In 2018, Texas Instruments awarded a grant to create a “STEM for ALL” concept that instigated a symbiotic relationship between the school and the industry. With this support and with 2016 bond reserves the district converted an existing space into a STEM Exploration Center for for ALL students in the high school feeder pattern. This STEM center now enriches 12,000 students each year and provides professional development for teachers, so they develop competency and confidence in STEM teaching.