The overview
Officially named San Gabriel Elementary School, the new site is meant to help address the continued growth the district expects in the northwest portion of its boundaries. At an estimated cost of $49.3 million, the project’s funding stems from a 2021 bond election to fund new schools, update technologies and renovate facilities. It’s one of multiple new projects underway in the district.
A closer look
The school, which will house 850 students at full capacity, was designed by Huckabee Architects and based off the blueprints for GISD’s Williams and Wolf Ranch elementary schools. Superintendent Emeritus Fred Brent, who announced his retirement April 3, said the site will evolve with the need of the students’ population for the next 30 years.
“We’ve made a few tweaks after talking to teachers, administrators and community members about what they did and didn’t prefer about the Williams and Wolf Ranch design,” he said. “So in this building, you’ll see a great space that’s very open for kids but also gives teachers the options to shape the learning space and create more creative opportunities for kids.”
At 124,625 square feet, the facility will sit on 14.4 acres of land donated by Ed and Elizabeth Horne, the developers of the new Santa Rita Ranch community. Located near the San Gabriel River, the school is being built within the 3,800-acre master-planned community’s Tierra Rosa Village.
Timeline for new GISD facilities
- San Gabriel Elementary School construction will be completed in summer 2024.
- San Gabriel Elementary School will open in fall 2024.
- Benold Middle School will open in fall 2024.
- Future Ready Complex will open in 2024.
- The third comprehensive high school is expected to open by 2027.
