Drawing inspiration from Carrollton’s spirit of community and the lush parks of Farmers Branch, the design integrates natural materials and views throughout to create a timeless, welcoming environment. Expansive glazing frames views of the landscape from nearly every space, reinforcing a sense of calm and openness. Each school reflects the seasons through color—Carrollton Elementary in shades of green, symbolizing spring, and Farmers Branch Elementary in red tones, evoking autumn. Both embrace openness, fluidity, and collaboration as guiding design principles.

Constructed on the sites of the original campuses, the new 92,000-square-foot facilities present a welcoming civic presence with prominent entries and carefully articulated façades on all sides. At their core, central courtyards serve as vibrant outdoor learning environments, complemented by secondary courtyards featuring secure, inclusive playgrounds designed for students of all abilities.

A secure main circulation axis—anchored by a distinctive wood-like awning—connects key community spaces including the cafeteria, library, student courtyards, and lower school playgrounds. The library, featuring a signature “tree” monument that embodies each school’s seasonal identity, offers clear sightlines into adjacent courtyards and learning areas, serving as a visual and social heart of the campus.

Each school includes a range of purpose-built learning environments: a central library with direct access to outdoor learning areas, a multi-purpose cafeteria, an interactive gymnasium with dual-wall projection capabilities, two inclusive playgrounds, a secure entry vestibule with adjacent administrative offices, dedicated music and art rooms, special education spaces, and flexible collaboration zones that foster student engagement and dynamic learning experiences.