Argyle ISD—Argyle South Elementary School
Architect: Corgan
An adapted and improved model for the district, Argyle South Elementary School responds to the growing community’s evolving needs. The new school is designed with a focus on flexibility, connectivity, multi-functionality, and student-led learning. Colorful wayfinding guides students to dynamic collaboration spaces featured throughout the school. At the heart of the school, the library connects to multi-functional outdoor learning spaces in a restorative courtyard setting.
Design
This agrarian vernacular-inspired elementary welcomes young learners with a warm wood and natural stone exterior. High-ceilings, bright yet balanced colors, and ample natural light create an interior environment where students thrive. Deep windowsills and inset nooks invite learners to activate every surface for personalized learning and individual comfort. Distinct colors in each classroom wing provide a sense of identity, coming together in a vibrant community palette in shared spaces.
Value
Through upgraded finishes and improved circulation, the new school design is focused on maximizing experiential connectivity. Opportunities for personalized learning are embedded throughout the school, providing a rich, developmentally aligned environment both inside and out. The courtyard is designed with educational value and ease of maintenance in mind. A mix of naturalistic materials creates a warm and tactile experience for students while promoting long-term value for the district.
Wellness
Guided by research-based insight, lively and playful design nurtures young learners’ curiosity-driven engagement with their world to support connection to place. Intuitive wayfinding and student-led seating choices bolster self-efficacy and autonomy. Color and branding are utilized to inspire a sense of “home” and ownership, balanced with a spirit of community in shared spaces. Connections to nature enhance wellbeing and offer opportunities for open-ended learning experiences.
Community
Situated in a walkable neighborhood in a rapidly growing community, the new elementary school seeks to create a warm and welcoming community pillar to embrace the over 400 new students added to the district each year. To foster a grounding sense of “place”, customized wall art creates a uniquely branded learning environment. This communicates a strong sense of identity, community, belonging, and school pride, promoting a positive school climate where every student can feel seen and connected.
Planning
Evolving a previous model based on continued community input and lessons learned, the new school elevates the student experience through an improved layout, finishes, and intuitive wayfinding. Early goals included building a positive culture, creating a safe and efficient environment, and providing adaptive learning opportunities. At Argyle South Elementary, the school motto “Always Striving for Excellence” was integrated in the design by planning flexible spaces that allow for student choice.
School Transformation
This playful learning environment is designed to inspire curiosity, nurture young learners’ self-efficacy, and support adaptable, engaging, and personalized learning experiences. From the library to outdoor learning spaces, inclusive design features are embedded throughout, offering freedom of choice to support every child’s unique learning needs. An enhanced sense of belonging supports positive school culture, providing a supportive environment for the students and their community to flourish.
Star of Distinction Category Winner