Mayfair Elementary School

A prototype school for one of Central Texas’ burgeoning districts.

At Mayfair Elementary School, the natural beauty of Central Texas rivers and an inclusive, individualized approach to learning converge. The pre-K-5 campus, located within a master-planned community with more than 300 acres of public green space and 35 miles of trails, takes inspiration from the movement, form and character of nearby waterways through its flexible space plan and architectural expression. Mayfair is a prototype — the first of multiple elementary school projects for Comal Independent School District built to support New Braunfels' rapidly growing student population and its evolving educational curriculum.

From its inception, LPA worked with the district to develop educational specifications, determining the needs of teachers and students through a series of visioning workshops. The result: a design that speaks to the collective request for discovery-oriented spaces, adaptable classrooms and a cohesive experience that reflects the community’s heritage and culture.

The 112,000-square-foot, two-story school represents a shift in the district’s approach to elementary education, organized into six grade-level neighborhoods — self-contained corridors connected by shared collaboration areas that nurture creativity and student interaction. Operable partitions, mobile furnishings, designated zones for messy activities and outdoor classrooms enable a variety of teaching methods and project-based learning. On the first floor, a motor lab — for students who benefit from movement breaks and sensory regulation — and early reading intervention room align with the district’s commitment to meeting students where they are. Intentionally located midway between the gymnasium, cafeteria and library, the learning wings offer views across the multi-acre site.

Outside, narrow courtyards provide room for both learning and play. Amenities include amphitheaters for gathering, shade structures, teaching walls and native landscaping. The play areas, meanwhile — such as a turf field, meandering track and basketball courts — are concentrated near the gymnasium to separate recreation from classrooms.

Throughout the design process, the area’s cultural ties to rivers played a pivotal role, influencing both the architecture and interiors. The brick facade, selected for its longevity and low-maintenance requirements, mimics the carved striations of the water’s path. Inside, several shades of blue, organic wave patterns and a waterfall feature in the library act as whimsical wayfinding elements.

Set within the heart of the new Mayfair housing development, its walkable setting allows many students to safely get to and from campus each day on foot or by bike. Beyond providing convenient access, the school has become an extension of the neighborhood itself, supporting daily life within the community.