Spaces for Learning

DFW-Area District Opens New Replacement Middle School

The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new replacement middle school campus, according to a news release. The new facility for Wayside Middle School, originally established in 1964, was built on the site of the former district administration building and funded through Bond Proposition A in 2023. The district partnered with VLK for the project’s design.

The school’s design was inspired by the prototype of nearby Marine Creek Middle School, paying tribute to the school’s history and sense of school pride while upgrading important amenities. The new facility expands the campus by 30,000 square feet to a total of 180,000 square feet, allowing a total capacity of 1,200 students. The building contains three academic wings connecting to a central media center, according to the news release.

“Through the support of the bond program and the dedicated work of district leadership, board, and staff, this vision has become a reality. The new Wayside Middle School is more than a building. It is a modern learning environment designed to support academic excellence, student engagement, and long-term success,” said Lauren Brown, VLK Principal. “This is a moment to celebrate what thoughtful planning and community trust can accomplish. Congratulations to EMS ISD on delivering a campus that will serve generations of students for years to come.”

According to the news release, construction occurred in two phases to minimize disruptions for students during the transition phase. Phase I consisted of the facility itself, which opened its doors to students at the beginning of the spring 2026 semester. Phase II will consist of developing school parking and athletics facilities, and is currently underway.

About the Author

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