Compton High School stood for over a century on the culture and values of the Compton community. In respecting that rich tradition and history, our design for Compton High School carefully honors its commitment to the community while paving a new educational standard for students and staff. The vision for the new high school meticulously unfolded over the last decade through intentional community and stakeholder outreach.

The 223,650-SF future-ready learning campus is intentionally tailored to create connections between its buildings, spanning 34 acres. Through the campus’ Academic Boulevard, students are immersed in opportunities for project-based learning, flexible learning environments, and CTE curriculum. Compton’s notable athletics success shines through a state-of-the-art stadium, tennis courts, and a half-size Olympic pool, exposing students and fans to collegiate caliber athletics facilities. The Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center is named and made possible through a generous $10 million contribution from famed Compton resident, Andre Young. Compton’s historical performing arts culture is perpetuated through the 900-seat performing arts facility.

Compton High School’s design prioritizes community involvement and cultural heritage. Our team worked closely with a large number of community stakeholders to capture Compton’s spirit, pride, and inclusivity, creating a campus that reflects shared values. Features like the Performing Arts Center and open campus design are intentional community-centric elements, inviting residents to engage daily. Beyond education, the school embodies its role as a civic hub, fostering connections through accessible spaces for public events, vocational training, and communal gatherings.

CUSD’s vision to transform education for every student drives the redesign of Compton High School. This ethos shapes a campus that nurtures project-based learning, college readiness, and collaboration. Flexible classrooms, adaptable spaces, and CTE-integrated pathways ensure personalized and future-focused education. Movable walls and multi-modal suites create an evolving learning environment, immersing students in real-world experiences and preparing them to thrive as future leaders.

The athletic facilities at Compton High School are collegiate-level and designed to serve as community resources. Anchored in Compton’s rich sports legacy, the campus features a state-of-the-art stadium, tennis courts, and a half-size Olympic pool. These facilities elevate student-athlete experiences with seamless integration of academics and athletics. Serving as a civic resource, spaces like the gym and field house support public engagement, while new programs like aquatics and lacrosse expand opportunities for students and the community alike.

Thanks to Dr. Dre’s generous $10 million donation, Compton’s Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center is a cornerstone on campus. The Performing Arts Center embodies the city’s deep cultural roots in music and performing arts, providing students with a professional-grade venue to express and excel. Supported by Dr. Dre’s vision, it features industry-standard acoustics, lighting, and stage technology, along with unique programs like video production and digital music labs. This space celebrates legacy, fosters creativity, and serves as a community hub, inspiring pride and opportunity for the next generation of Compton artists and performers.

Design: DLR Group
Photography: Michael Robinson