DFW-Area K–12 District Breaks Ground on New STEAM Academy

Last week, the Waxahachie Independent School District near Dallas, Texas, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new STEAM school, according to a news release. The Wilemon STEAM Academy will have space for about 800 students in grades K–5 and was designed by VLK Architects. Funding for the project came from a bond that local voters passed in May 2023.

The campus will measure in at 102,000 square feet and feature amenities like an open-concept library; creation spaces featuring a wood engraver, LEGO station, and science and robotics labs; an outdoor courtyard; recording studio; flex spaces; a gymnasium; and a cafeteria. The release reports that the new school’s mission is to “create an innovative learning environment in which students thrive, using critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration to solve real-world problems and promote career awareness.”

“The construction of a new home for the incredibly successful Wilemon STEAM Academy is an exciting step in the continued growth of Waxahachie ISD,” said Jonathan Aldis, VLK Architects Principal. “The new campus allows for even more students in Waxahachie to engage in an education focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in an innovative and collaborative learning environment.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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