Arlington ISD trustees met on Aug. 27 to review the design for a brand‑new South Davis Elementary campus. The $65 million project, approved by voters in the 2026 bond package, aims to replace the 70‑year‑old school with a two‑story facility that opens in August 2028.
Nature‑inspired design
Architects from Dallas‑based Corgan said the surrounding mature trees guided the overall concept. Senior project manager Beverly Fornof explained, “There are just some beautiful, amazing, really well‑established trees on this site, and that was our vision right off the bat.” The design incorporates abundant natural light, canopy‑like ceiling details, and a central library meant to mimic a tree’s heartwood.
Classrooms and flexible learning spaces
The new school will house 48 classrooms, most located on the north side near residential neighborhoods. Designers also plan “learning groves” – flexible outdoor areas where teachers can gather small groups or conduct hands‑on STEM lessons. Project architect Morgan Howell described the groves as “a really flexible space that students can kind of spill out onto… zones for large groups to gather, a whole classroom can come out there for small‑group learning.”
Specialty features include a sensory wall and a STEM wall equipped with pegboards, magnetic panels and other tools that can adapt to the curriculum’s needs. “They can do different activities with the pegboards, or it could be a magnetic wall where students can learn about physics and how things move,” Fornof said.
Community and parental support
Board President Sarah McMurrough praised the design, noting the historic neighborhood’s character and the natural elements that will surround students. Trustee David Wilbanks added, “It really goes above and beyond with the ceiling details… you really get that sense of going up into the canopy and all that natural light.”
Local parents and community members have expressed enthusiasm for a school that blends modern educational spaces with the area’s long‑standing tree‑lined environment.
Next steps
With design approval secured, the district will move forward with construction, aiming to keep the project on schedule for a 2028 opening. The rebuilt South Davis Elementary is expected to serve as a model for future school projects that prioritize both academic flexibility and a connection to nature.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
