Newman Smith High School

Renovation elevates high school’s career tech education programs and fosters student interaction.

The $26.3-million redesign of Newman Smith High School’s Career Technology Education (CTE) studios and media center created flexible, innovative learning spaces to support Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD’s focus on new learning and teaching modalities.

The design centered CTE programs along a new primary circulation spine called “Innovation Alley,” which runs through the ground floor, linking career and college-ready spaces to the gym, library and administrative offices. Glass walls bring natural light and transparency to a series of specialized CTE studios focused on different career pathways, including construction and architecture, robotics, multimedia arts and entrepreneurship. Different types of collaboration spaces provide opportunities for students to connect and collaborate.

The re-imagined media center was designed as the campus “family room,” with open spaces that build community, support school culture and provide a place for students to hang out. A variety of collaboration and study spaces support different activities. A larger space includes a movable glass wall to accommodate community events. The center also includes multipurpose flex labs, a 360 virtual reality studio and a gaming room for an emerging e-sports program.

To strategically highlight the new campus, the student entrance was transformed with a glass façade and new signage, highlighting the entrance to “Innovation Alley.” Improved circulation improves connections between different elements on campus and encourages student interactions.

Watch a video on the school redesign.