A Past to Remember, a Future to Mold: VLK Architects Break Ground on Aledo ISD's Newest Elementary School
Aledo, Texas - On September 7th, VLK Architects attended the groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate Aledo ISD's 5th elementary school which is set to open next fall. Aledo ISD Board of Trustees, administration, members of the 2025 Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, Walsh Holdings and Republic Property Group representatives, Buford Thompson Construction, and Fort Worth Mayor, Betsy Price were in attendance to celebrate this milestone for the school district.
'It was exciting to be on-site to break ground for Aledo ISD's 5th elementary school, and the first Aledo ISD school in Fort Worth City limits,' said Fort Worth Mayor, Betsy Price. 'Not only will this serve as the anchor school in the Walsh development, but we trust that it will further strengthen our already robust relationship between the city and Aledo ISD moving forward.'
'This new elementary is the first structure in the much anticipated Walsh development and is symbolic of education as the cornerstone of all successful communities. Great care has been taken to connect the school to the community parks, trails, and natural outdoor learning environments,' said Leesa Vardeman, VLK Principal.
This innovative school will be 100,150 sf when completed and in addition to flexible environments and collaborative spaces for both teachers and students, this dynamic design will contain a STEAM lab and a geothermal well system in addition to 30 standard classrooms.
'Aledo ISD has embraced this opportunity for a new elementary school to introduce a forward thinking approach to both education and facilities,' said Ross Rivers, VLK Project Director. 'Transformative teaching is enabled by grade level teacher collaboration and lesson design rooms. Energy efficiency is achieved through carefully selected building materials, mechanical systems, and lighting. Transparency both across and throughout the building will allow for natural light, as well as a visual connection to the exterior. The two level design and building configuration take advantage of the naturally sloping landscape to provide exciting outdoor learning opportunities directly from both floors.'
'We are excited about what the future holds for our kids with the addition of Elementary No.5,' said Aledo ISD Superintendent, Dr. Derek Citty. 'The partnership we have enjoyed with the Walsh family will continue to help grow our community for years to come.'