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].

Featured

  • Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

    Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.