Waco ISD — Tennyson Middle School
Architect: O’Connell Robertson
“This 6th-8th grade replacement middle school reimagines the school’s learning environment as a flexible, innovative destination while remaining rooted in local identity. Guided by the school’s motto “True Grit,” the 184,000-SF campus draws from the native Texas flora, incorporates wayfinding elements inspired by the local park, while the commons area is anchored by a Brazos River-themed feature wall.
The design balances safety, adaptation, and collaboration, offering dynamic spaces that support students’ evolving educational journeys. The building’s layout maximizes gathering spaces, fostering a deep connection to place while promoting academic and social growth. As a modern learning environment, it reflects the spirit of its community: resilient, grounded, and forward-looking.”
Design
Tennyson was designed with students in mind—welcoming and flexible spaces support a range of learning styles and teaching approaches. Learning neighborhoods and a central commons encourage connection and collaboration. Open sightlines and thoughtful organization make the campus feel safe and easy to navigate, while distributed services bring support closer to students, enhancing access and equity.
Value
Flexibility in the learning environment ensures spaces ‘work-hard’ and are utilized regularly to support a variety of educational needs. Insulated tilt wall construction and an efficient footprint reduce the cooling load on the facility in the hot Texas summers. Durable, low-maintenance materials and energy-efficient systems provide long-term value while a phased construction approach allowed the existing school to remain operational, avoiding costly relocation.
Wellness
Wellness is woven throughout the campus. Sunlit learning neighborhoods, natural wood textures, calming blues and greens, and a Brazos River feature wall come together to create a peaceful, nature-inspired environment. Flexible furniture supports movement and collaboration. Site wellness is seen through outdoor access from learning spaces, outdoor dining, and recreational areas to promote whole-child growth.
Community
Rooted in the legacy of Tennyson Middle School, the design embodies pride and resilience by embedding references to the Brazos River, Cameron Park, local trails, and native trees. The central commons serves as a hub for school and community gatherings, while secure, welcoming spaces foster a strong sense of belonging. Designed with input from Waco ISD students, staff and local stakeholders, the school reflects the identity and values of its diverse community.
Planning
An inclusive planning process united district leaders, students, educators, and the community around goals of safety, collaboration, and student empowerment. Guided by the “True Grit” mission, the design supports project-based learning, CTE, arts, and collaboration. Learning neighborhoods, operable partitions, and resilient design strategies emerged to support evolving pedagogy—transforming goals into a flexible, future-ready school.
School Transformation
Tennyson’s design replaced outdated, rigid classrooms with vibrant, flexible neighborhoods. Transparency, open collaboration, and mobile tools empower teachers and students to collaborate, explore, and connect. This shift reshapes learning into an active, student-centered journey that inspires curiosity and growth.
Star of Distinction Category Winner