Clear Creek ISD — Clear View High School Rebuild
Architect: PBK
new build facility on exiting school site. CTE focused
Design
“The design of Clear View High School reflects the vision of a supportive, career-oriented learning
environment tailored for at-risk and non-traditional students.
With a capacity for 350 students in approximately 109,000 SF, the campus integrates academic and
Career & Technical Education (CTE) facilities into a unified, high-performing educational setting.
A horizontal building axis optimizes daylighting with north-south orientation, while the central courtyard
and media center form the campus heart, fostering collaboration and flexibility.
Dedicated wings for welding, cosmetology, and CNA programs connect seamlessly with the academic
and dining zones. The architecture celebrates visibility and transparency, ensuring a secure, yet open
environment.
Pull-out nooks, multipurpose rooms, and distributed collaboration spaces further support
diverse learning styles. The plan’s clarity simplifies wayfinding and supports safety and supervision through
direct visual connections.”
Value
“The Clear View High School rebuild was executed with a keen eye on long-term value and cost-efficiency.
Strategic orientation reduces solar heat gain, decreasing HVAC demand.
Durable yet cost effective materials such as brick veneer and standing seam metal roofs contribute to low maintenance costs.
The CHPS-designed facility includes LED lighting with daylight harvesting, efficient HVAC systems, and automated building controls to reduce energy consumption.
Modular classroom sizes and operable walls provide adaptability for evolving program needs, while shared-use
CTE facilities (e.g., nursing, cosmetology, welding) serve multiple high schools in the district, maximizing function while staying within a modest budget.
The decision to keep the existing historical entry for reuse as a community space illustrates fiscal and cultural stewardship.”
Wellness
“Student wellness is embedded throughout Clear View High School’s design and history. Since the school began in 1989, it was founded as an alternate school for at-risk students who struggle in traditional classrooms. Catering to a smaller population of students, the school is designed for the individual and programmed to their learning styles.
Future-focused CTE labs and shops reflect “”””real-world”””” work environments. With smaller teacher to student ratios, students receive the one-on-one attention they couldn’t have at traditional high schools. The building fosters healthy habits with walkable corridors, outdoor fitness areas, and a simple layout that reduces stress and travel times.
The layout offers clear sightlines to reduce hiding places and promote security. Dedicated spaces such as private nurse areas, a cool-down room, and counseling offices emphasize the dedication to mental health. Flexible furniture, natural daylighting, views into outdoor learning areas, and small-scale learning environments support students’ physical and emotional
well-being.”
Community
“The high school functions as a community anchor, reflecting the identity and aspirations of its diverse stakeholders. Its reuse of the original 1939 Art Deco entry, now a Counselor and Student Services building, pays homage to its heritage.
The design accommodates community meetings, mentoring programs, adult learning initiatives, and CTE services for external clients (e.g., salon services in cosmetology).
Located within walking distance of healthcare and civic facilities, the campus promotes partnerships and parent engagement. Ample parking, multipurpose rooms, and separate public access entries enhance usability without compromising student safety.”
Planning
“Planning was a highly collaborative process involving district leaders, educators, CTE directors, administrators, students, and the community. Programming sessions emphasized the unique needs of Clear View’s
at-risk student population, small class sizes, and career-readiness.
The design evolved from a series of charrettes held with faculty and stakeholders, leading to consensus on a one-story layout that enhances supervision and minimizes student stress.
The plan integrates specialty spaces like CNA labs, welding shops, and AV studios while maintaining visual and physical connections to core academics and student life. Key programmatic adjacencies were defined to improve efficiency and create a unified campus culture.”
School Transformation
“The new High School redefines the traditional learning environment by centering on relevance, dignity, and opportunity for non-traditional learners. Its compact, student-centered layout promotes ownership and pride.
Learning spaces reflect professional workplaces (e.g., health science labs, salons, maker spaces), inspiring students to envision and actively pursue viable career paths. The central courtyard and media center encourage creativity, exploration, and belonging.
With open, flexible, and adaptive environments designed for whole-student success, Clear View demonstrates how architecture can be a catalyst for equity, transformation, and hope.”
Star of Distinction Category Winner