Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects and American Constructors on the facility, which is scheduled for completion in August 2027.

The campus will consist of a main academic building, field house, concession venue, and baseball and softball facilities, the news release reports. It will include outdoor learning environments, hands-on learning spaces, and an aesthetic façade to welcome visitors. Sustainability features are set to include a geothermal energy system and a water collection and reuse system for irrigation.

“Central to the whole design is the Learning Courtyard that creates both visual and physical connections—encouraging interaction and supporting a sense of belonging across campus,” said Pfluger Architects Senior Project Manager Heather Rule. “The design was inspired by vibrant city centers where people naturally gather, connect, and learn from one another. This vision aligns with the diverse Del Valle community and reflects a desire to create a welcoming environment where different cultures, experiences, and voices are celebrated equitably.”

Funding for the project comes from the district’s 2022 bond, and its ultimate purpose was to address overcrowding at the existing Del Valle High School campus.

“Equity was a driving factor in the campus design, ensuring the new school offers the same learning opportunities as the existing high school,” said Christian Owens, Pfluger Architects’ Principal Design Director. “The new Del Valle high school facility brings vibrancy to the community, offering diverse educational spaces, and serving as a cornerstone by providing opportunities and experiences for future students.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Countway Library at Harvard Medical School

    From Shadows to Sanctuary: The Transformation of Light at Countway Library

    The renovation of Countway Library at Harvard Medical School demonstrates how biophilic design and advanced lighting strategies transformed a formerly dark, insular space into a vibrant, welcoming hub that supports wellness, learning, and community engagement.

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.

  • University of Rhode Island, Gilbane Partner for Three New Residence Halls

    The University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I., recently announced a public-private partnership with construction development firm Gilbane, according to a news release. Gilbane will soon start construction on three new residence halls with a total of 1,100 beds: two with apartment-style suites in northwest campus, and a reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments for graduate students.