Rockwall ISD—Rockwall High School Ninth Grade Campus & Rockwall-Heath High School Ninth Grade Campus
Architect: Corgan
Based on demographic projections, Rockwall ISD will experience 21 percent growth by 2030, prompting the need for two new future-ready high schools. To prepare for future growth and alleviate current overcrowding, the district needed two new ninth-grade campuses as additions to their current high schools – one for Rockwall High School and one for Rockwall-Health High School. The two new schools are planned to integrate with the two comprehensive 9-12 grade high schools in the future. The ninth-grade campuses were designed to prepare students for high school, focusing on student wellness, creating a spirit of place, enhancing the educational experience through accessible and flexible spaces, and building connections to encourage socialization. While each campus was designed with durable, neutral materials, each school the two schools reflects the high school’s distinctive brand, creating a pride of place and community.
Design
Designed to foster learning, the Rockwall ISD Ninth Grade Campuses feature a central Commons as the school’s vibrant hub. The building’s layout and flow were strategically planned to accommodate future growth, while transparent sight lines prioritize student safety and foster a stronger sense of community. Durable, neutral materials anticipate future rebranding efforts. A welcoming entry plaza and thoughtful site design are integrated with the educational program to enrich the student experience.
Value
The new Ninth Grade Campuses enhance value by providing a crucial transition between middle and high school students, easing a challenging developmental period and fostering a more supportive learning environment. These facilities alleviate overcrowding at the high schools, demonstrating proactive planning for future growth while maximizing district resources. The design incorporates durable, easy-to-change materials, a strategic choice that minimizes long-term maintenance and replacement expenses.
Wellness
The inclusion of a secure interior courtyard and outdoor learning spaces promote movement and activity, while maximizing natural light and views of nature in every classroom, improving student wellbeing. Flexible furniture in common spaces supports diverse learning styles, encouraging student-led learning. The design aligns with adolescents’ developmental need for autonomy, competence, and connection, easing the transition to high school by providing a supportive, inspiring environment.
Community
Recognizing the spirited rivalry between the district’s two high schools, each school reinforces its respective high schools’ identity through branded graphics, fostering a sense of belonging. The schools offer spaces for community engagement, including a large Commons and Library, designed to support community events after hours. Extending to the outdoors, each school features a park-like setting with walking trails around the detention ponds, creating a shared space for recreation and community use.
Planning
Master planned for a future tenth grade addition and full comprehensive high schools demonstrates the long-term vision for the district’s growth. The design emphasizes flexibility with minimal built-in furniture to adapt to future needs, and the strategic sizing of core elements, such as the commons, library, and corridors, meet the future demands of the high schools, thus reducing construction costs. Construction typologies in shared spaces and changeable graphics throughout create efficiencies for future phases.
School Transformation
A transformation in the district’s educational environment, the schools establish a new benchmark for design and functionality. Informed by collaborative workshops with students and the community, the design prioritized creating an inviting identity where the exterior architectural presence reflects the high-quality education within. The design intentionally integrates collaborative spaces to enhance the learning experience and foster strong student connections, redefining the learning place.
Star of Distinction Category Winner