When Almeta Crawford High School opened to students in August 2023, it was the 12th high school in Fort Bend County ISD and the district’s first new high school in more than a decade. Located in Rosharon in a relatively undeveloped southeastern area within the district, the new high school was designed to accommodate up to 3,000 students, alleviating overcrowding in adjacent feeder schools while providing a blueprint for the district’s development. Sustainable design was paramount in the planning and led the designs both indoors and out.
Working with DLR Group Architects, M2L was the landscape architect for the 45-acre project. DLR Group’s linear design divided the school into two distinct sections, one to the north and one to the south, to create a canyon-like feel so the buildings could be oriented to maximize natural light and minimize heat gain. The secure, central courtyard gives natural separation and connects academic and other core learning spaces, such as fine arts, the dining commons and athletic spaces. The courtyard includes covered walkways and serves as a central hub for students and staff throughout the day.
A unique feature of the school is its four learning neighborhoods, indoor spaces adjacent to the courtyard meant to foster active learning, engagement and connection. Each neighborhood incorporates natural light and views of scenery and surrounding outdoor areas to optimize the student experience. Additionally, the outdoor courtyard spaces are uniquely designed to reflect the interior building uses, further integrating the learning neighborhoods.
