State-of-the-Art Early Childhood Facility in the Works
State-of-the-Art Early Childhood Facility in the Works
Sherman ISD is actively engaging with students, parents, community members and staff to envision the district's brand-new Early Childhood Center, which will offer a comprehensive, imaginative and immersive learning atmosphere for the district’s youngest students.
The new school will combine existing Pre-Kindergarten, Head Start and special education programs into one facility to enhance student learning and improve operational efficiency.
This fall, the district partnered with VLK Architects to gather initial input from stakeholders about the center's design.
“I’m so glad Sherman ISD lets teachers be part of the design process because we can look at all the options and get what we need while considering what will be best for the children,” said Jennifer Benedict, Pre-K teacher at Fred Douglass Early Childhood Center.
The design committee shared their feedback on important aspects from the building's façade to the strategic placement of essential spaces like classrooms, collaborative zones and outdoor learning areas.
“The best part has been getting to see our ideas come to life and being able to give input and have the architects be receptive to what we’re saying; just taking into consideration everything that we want to see in the new school to serve our kids,” said Jacquelyn Hernandez, bilingual Pre-K teacher at Fred Douglass. “I’m excited to see everything! The outdoor learning spaces, the classrooms, the natural light – just all the elements that we currently need being brought to life.”
The new Early Childhood Center is slated to open its doors to students in the 2026-27 school year at the current site of Wakefield Elementary.
Stakeholders will continue to have a voice as design moves from the outside in to ensure the space has everything teachers and students need to thrive.
“This experience has been really cool! I love how we get to collaborate with other people; we got to work together in teams in a hands-on game to build a school,” said Emily Donnell, fifth grader at Wakefield Elementary.
The new facility, along with other projects, was funded by the bond program approved by SISD voters in May 2023.
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Watch a video from VLK Architects showcasing the design process.