DLR Group’s design for the new Almeta Crawford High School encompasses the district’s vision goals, macro-organizational model, and site conditions to create an engaging learning environment for all. The building is purposefully situated centrally on the site with an overall east-west layout to capture ideal daylight with minimal heat gain. The linear building form is separated into two different masses; one to the north and another to the south. An outdoor, secure courtyard connects the two. Active participation in the classrooms, collaboration spaces, and multipurpose areas are facilitated through operable partitions, mobile markerboards, and flexible furniture that provide reconfigurability of spaces.

Located at the southwest corner of the district’s jurisdiction, Fort Bend’s Almeta Crawford High School sits on approximately 45 acres. Learning neighborhoods are self-contained suites consisting of classrooms, labs, flexible zones, an educator center, and specialized education classrooms. All educational spaces within the neighborhoods have views and access to the outdoors and a covered patio.

Almeta Crawford High School’s namesake is deeply rooted in the district’s history. For nearly four decades, Almeta Crawford was an inspiring and highly respected educator at Fort Bend ISD. She taught for more than 30 years at Dulles High School and received numerous awards, including the 2018 Jan DeBlance Memorial Award for Instructional Excellence.

The courtyard serves as the bridge that connects the academic and core learning programs from the fine arts, athletics, and dining commons. Over the course of the day students cross the courtyard multiple times, making it an active space for the entire student body. The courtyard also adjoins the learning neighborhoods which are unique to Almeta Crawford High School. Each neighborhood brings natural light and scenery into learning spaces to enhance student experience. By incorporating the outdoors into the learning experiences, students are one with nature.

Transparency is an important part of the school. Designers used fritted glass to reduce heat gain at locations facing south, east, and west, a design choice that lowers ongoing maintenance costs. Fritted glass provides quality daylight and views to the outdoors, but conserves energy and is bird friendly. The building is certified LEED silver.

Almeta Crawford High School showcases large artwork of the school mascot to instill school pride for students and staff. The Charger, which is represented as a stallion, can be seen adorning the halls near the media center and brand graphics in the commons encourage students to connect with their identity as a Charger throughout the day.

Design: DLR Group
Photography: Wade Griffith, DLR Group