Four Stantec schools in Texas receive Stars of Distinction

Spring Branch ISD, Memorial High School (Transformation)

Memorial High School (MHS) is a state-of-the art learning environment that highlights the school’s rich heritage. Rising to the challenge of a landlocked campus with no room for growth, the design team crafted a solution to relocate the tennis complex and the bus loop, freeing up space for a new 4-story facility that houses 29 classrooms, 21 science labs, and dining commons. Flexible collaboration spaces, outdoor gathering areas, and learning on display all contribute to a collegiate-like environment−while features such as the central atrium, with a centerpiece staircase, and Mustang murals make the building feel unique. Now complete, the new school elevates teaching, learning, and engagement to new heights in both design and functionality— creating a space that students and the community can be proud of.

Frisco ISD, Buddy and Joni Minett Elementary School (Design, Value)

Imagine a school where students are empowered to explore their own learning journey. The objective is simple: to provide learners with voice and choice, inspiring heightened engagement and collaboration promoting emotional well-being and student performance. Re-envisioned spaces foster genuine learning opportunities with spaces that are occupied by students in groups large and small. Here students have the freedom to plan their own approach to their education and success.

The desire for a co-teaching model drove the design of grade-level pods that could support a variety of instructional models and promote engaged, collaborative learning. These pods are organized into two houses that connect directly to the central learning commons and adjacent media spaces. Transparency throughout places learning on display and allows for passive supervision. Different sizes and types of learning spaces support various sizes of learner group arrangements by being highly configurable with folding glass partitions and flexible, mobile furniture.

Katy ISD, Martha Raines Academy (Design, Wellness)

Designed to provide an academic experience for students interested in a nontraditional learning environment, the Raines Academy is an alternative high school campus in Katy ISD.

Ahead of prior stigma associated with the program offered alongside the disciplinary program, the new Raines Academy campus aimed to rebrand and increase total enrollment to 500-525 students consistently throughout the instructional and extended school day while providing students the opportunity to learn at their own pace in a very welcoming environment.

The design focuses on a higher education/workplace environment for students who are at risk of dropping out due to personal challenges− the unhoused, those struggling in a traditional high school environment, and off-cohort students meet graduation requirements. The central commons functions as a multi-purpose flexible space and is the heart of the campus. The Educator’s Cube is located centrally on the second floor with views through the entire space to aid in monitoring. The facility has a state-of-the-art fitness center providing students and staff the opportunity to exercise. Raines Academy is a dedicated facility designed to motivate and inspire.

Willis ISD, Roark Early Education Center (Design, Wellness)

Early childhood education can set a child on a path to long-term academic success. The design of early education environments is critical in fulfilling that potential. Willis ISD’s Roark Early Education Center, a project from their 2020 Bond Election, replaces their existing facility offsite. Our Stantec team worked with the key stake holders and end users with the District during Visioning to generate concepts and a program to frame their thoughts.

The outcome is a facility that thrives on outdoor learning, student exploration and student wellness with the use of outdoor lighting, sensory learning, and biophilic concepts in interior design. Wayfinding and instilling a sense of place was key for the District.

The floor plan and the classroom pods are easy to navigate with a “City” concept and the common spaces serve as the “neighborhood parks”. The facility is designed for 400 students and has a gym, full kitchen, dining and outdoor play areas.