Back to school is a meaningful time for Huckabee, as it represents the culmination of a collaborative work effort to plan, design and build facilities that support the success of all students.
This fall, Huckabee opened 21 new schools: campuses that run the gamut from conventional learning spaces to next-generation incubators for education. Some school districts addressed growth and created equitable learning environments, others replaced aging facilities and infrastructure; all responded to the needs of their communities, students and educators.
We are proud of our work and proud to have partnered with some of the greatest school districts in Texas. Here are a few highlights of what opened this fall:
Montgomery ISD, Keenan Elementary School and Oak Hill Junior High School
The district’s 2015 bond included a new elementary school, new junior high school and new high school, as well as comprehensive renovations at all other campuses. The opening of Keenan Elementary School and Oak Hill Junior High School mark the first completed phase of the bond program. The schools share a site and a design aesthetic, blending modern and traditional elements into two engaging campuses.
Weatherford ISD, Shirley Hall Middle School
Weatherford ISD has long awaited the opening of Shirley Hall Middle School. The new facility replaces a nearly 50-year old campus, helping the district address aging conditions, improve efficiency and modernize the learning environment. The space is divided into learning neighborhoods that support collaboration and project-based instruction. Transparency, modern colors, ample light and outdoor courtyards enhance the learning experience for students and educators.
Mansfield ISD, Charlotte Anderson Elementary School
The opening of Charlotte Anderson Elementary School marks the end of the 2011 bond program for Mansfield ISD. It’s the final of five prototype elementary schools Huckabee designed for the district—replacing aging facilities with more secure, engaging and modern learning spaces. Huckabee and Mansfield ISD have been partners for more than 28 years and recently kicked-off design for a new slate of projects as part of the 2016 bond program.
Longview ISD, East Texas Montessori Prep Academy
At 150,000 sf, Longview ISD’s new Montessori academy will house students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and Head Start programs. The school is designed to support personalized and self-paced instruction and is unique in that it’s one of the only Montessori schools run by a public school district. It’s designed to support small learning communities with shared amenities, including two enclosed courtyards / gardens for play and instruction.
Georgetown ISD, Purl Elementary School
Exciting things are happening in Georgetown ISD, as the district is implementing a new learner profile with the opening of two new schools. The first to open is Annie Purl Elementary School. A traditional design aesthetic borrows from nearby historic Georgetown. Inside, classrooms feature movable walls, writable surfaces and flexible furniture; collaboration spaces are abundant; and elements such as a learning stair, reading nooks and a maker space support exploration, creativity and serendipitous learning opportunities.
Killeen ISD, Roy J. Smith Middle School
Roy J. Smith Middle School is one of two campuses opening this fall in Killeen. The school is designed to provide a flexible learning environment within an efficient and sustainable facility. It houses small learning communities in addition to a STEM academy. Other features include a high-volume library, outdoor learning courtyards and modern finishes and materials.
Liberty Hill ISD, Rancho Sienna Elementary School
Liberty Hill ISD’s newest elementary school features a Hill Country aesthetic, constructed with locally-sourced materials including stone, metal panels and a pitched metal roof. The facility was designed for students in pre-kindergarten to 5th grade with the intent to inspire creativity and collaboration and to support an exciting learning experience. Classroom wings feature flex space with access into a large outdoor learning courtyard. In the library, a spiral staircase leads into a reading nook.
