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

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Cleveland High School Breaks Ground on Modernization

    Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., recently announced that construction has begun on a modernization project for Cleveland High School, according to a news release. The existing building will be replaced with a new, 300,000-square-foot facility at the same site.

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • Stanford Online Reveals New Immersive Learning Studio

    Stanford Online recently marked its 30th anniversary with the announcement of a new immersive learning studio, according to a university news release. The studio takes advantage of AI-powered and immersive learning technologies to continue delivering personalized and faculty-led education.