New Prototype Elementary Campus: Don Carter Elementary School
(Richmond, TX) – On November 27th, VLK Architects attended the dedication ceremony for Lamar CISD’s newest elementary campus, Don Carter Elementary School. Working diligently with LCISD, VLK Architects designed the first of the district’s new prototype elementary schools which is 94,978 SF and will house up to 750 students grades Pre-K through fifth grade. Lamar CISD’s newest elementary school was named after beloved high school teacher and coach, Don Carter, who served students in the district for over 26 years.
“By changing the lives of hundreds of teenagers through mentorship, tough love, and dedication to his students and athletes, Don Carter is a true servant leader,” said former Lamar High School student, Roger Adamson. “It is for this reason that his name is perfect to sit outside the school that is growing young people today.”
The new campus design features a long central corridor with administration, fine arts, special programs areas, a media center, gym, cafeteria, and large group instruction spaces. Six classroom pods break off of the main shared corridor, divided by grade level. Each grade level pod has its own special programs area as well as collaboration spaces and restrooms centralized for use by each classroom. Students will easily be able to identify their grade level pod based on wall accents, flooring, and furniture selections color-coded for each section of the school.
Safety and security attributes were a priority when developing this prototype campus. Outdoor learning courtyards were strategically placed with secured fences between classroom pods. Separate parent and bus drop-off areas control traffic flow and make it easier to monitor students arriving and departing each day. The building was also designed with a secure main entry near the administration space.
“VLK and Lamar Consolidated ISD partnered to create an innovative and collaborative campus for Don Carter Elementary,” said VLK Architects Partner, Todd J. Lien. “We are excited about this new prototype design and the opportunities it will bring to teachers and students of LCISD.”
For a closer look inside the walls of this new campus, check out VLK's video capturing the Don Carter Elementary School Dedication Ceremony!