Integrating a New PK-8 Academy Within an Active Multi-school Campus

Seagoville PK–8 is a new, 118,000-square-foot, two-story transformational school for Dallas ISD, conceived to relieve overcrowding in both the elementary and middle schools within the Seagoville feeder pattern. Located in southeast Dallas, the school sits on a remarkable 100-acre shared education campus that also includes the existing middle school and high school—one of the last remaining post-oak reserves within the City of Dallas. This unique natural setting offered extraordinary opportunities for outdoor learning, ecological stewardship, and community engagement.

We approached Seagoville PK–8 as a campus-wide master planning exercise, leveraging the ecological assets of the site to enrich the educational experience. Working with Cool Schools and community partners, we integrated educational walking trails throughout the post-oak reserve and transformed the existing pond into a hands-on learning environment. Students engage directly with the site’s ecosystems—from aquatic life and marsh plantings that naturally filter stormwater, to bird species uniquely tied to the pond’s habitat.

Site & Security Strategy

The site required secure and efficient operation of three distinct schools—PK–8, middle school, and high school—each with its own identity and protected boundaries, while still sharing campus resources. The expansive site also presented challenges related to surveillance, access control, and maintenance. Our design incorporates layered security measures, including a full perimeter fence, secure learning courtyards, controlled walking trails, anti-intrusion glazing at the first level, Level III bullet-resistant entry glazing, and a double-delay secure vestibule with remote access and integrated surveillance.

Educational Program & Architecture

Designed for 800 students, the two-story building serves learners from PK through grade eight. As a transformational school, the program includes a STEM lab, language lab, maker space, media center, and a cafetorium. The maker space overlooking the media center evokes a “treehouse in the forest,” reinforcing the school’s connection to its natural surroundings. Vertical exterior expressions draw inspiration from the site’s forest canopy, while the building footprint was carefully positioned to minimize disturbance to existing trees.

The design embraces biophilic principles through natural materials, durable finishes, and abundant daylight. Every classroom has access to natural light and views, supporting student well-being and performance. Secure outdoor learning courtyards provide spaces for play, instruction, and exploration. These landscapes are intentionally low-maintenance, utilizing native xeriscaping that requires no irrigation.