Construction to Begin This Summer on New Early Childhood Center

Sherman ISD will break ground this summer on a new school for the district’s youngest students at the current site of Wakefield Elementary. 

Wakefield will close at the end of this school year, paving the way for the land to be converted into a future home for the district’s Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start programs. 

The 94,000-square-foot early childhood center will serve up to 660 students, bringing together students and staff from Fred Douglass and Perrin early childhood centers. 

The new, larger campus will enhance student learning and improve operational efficiency, while providing an imaginative and immersive learning experience that promotes the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of young children. 

The building was designed by VLK Architects and is being built by general contractor CORE Construction. It was approved by voters as part of the May 2023 bond election. 

The school design features numerous features to enhance function, safety and the learning environment for early childhood students, including: 

• Specialized classrooms and spaces to meet the unique needs of young learners
• Two separate parent drive loops with 2,905 linear feet of queueing depth, as well as a separate bus drop-off at the front of the building. All three loops include a canopy-covered walkway to the nearest entrance
• Purpose built spaces for special populations
• Protected and secure outdoor classroom and play spaces
• Indoor activity gym and indoor playground space, allowing for more activities and opportunities for students regardless of the weather
• FEMA compliant storm shelter that will accommodate all students and staff and withstand wind speeds up to 250 mph

The Board of Trustees approved a guaranteed maximum price for construction of the school at their meeting on May 12. The project came in under budget, with construction expected to take about 18 months. 

Sherman ISD plans to open the school to students and staff for the 2027-28 school year.