Members of the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees recently toured the new Memorial Drive Elementary (MDE), a school replacement project under the 2017 Bond Program. When classes resume on August 15, 2024, students and families will step into a fresh, new learning environment.

During the tour, Trustees marveled at the school’s architectural ingenuity, seamlessly integrating the beloved original trees from the former campus—a testament to its deep-rooted connection to the community and families. Spanning 94,850 square feet, the reconstructed elementary has a capacity of 550 students and features 27 instructional spaces.

The school's design reimagines the former campus into a unified community housed within a single structure. Organized into grade-specific zones, it encompasses 24 standard classrooms and three designated for special education. Each zone features adaptable collaborative spaces, fostering dynamic learning interactions. These areas seamlessly flow into a central outdoor courtyard, offering an art and science patio, a tranquil deck shaded by a mature oak tree, and an alfresco classroom with a covered pavilion.

Within its walls, the new MDE boasts dedicated areas for artistic, scientific, and musical endeavors, alongside expansive recreational facilities including a gymnasium and sheltered play zones. Equipped with flexible furniture and cutting-edge technology, classrooms serve as hubs for collaborative learning experiences, both within and beyond traditional boundaries.

The Dining Commons, a spacious multi-purpose area adjacent to the gym, accommodates large-scale events and offers direct access to the outdoor playground and play fields, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the campus. Enhanced security measures, including fencing and controlled entry, ensure a safe environment for students and staff.

Addressing logistical concerns, the campus features separate traffic flows for parents, buses, and visitors, alleviating congestion and ensuring efficient drop-off and pick-up routines.

The grand opening celebration for Memorial Drive Elementary is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2024, and will allow community members, parents, and students to explore the new campus.

Click here to learn more about the 2017 Bond Program.