CONROE, TX — VLK Architects recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Willis ISD’s third middle school alongside district administrators, school board members, and general contractor Duratech. Funding for this project is from the voter-approved May 2022 bond, which allows Willis ISD to accommodate for the expected growth in the area.

“The growth that we are experiencing in Willis is tremendous, and as a school district, we have to be prepared for each year. We welcome over 300 students in attendance each year, and we expect that number will continue to rise as families continue to move to our community,” Board Member Kyle Hoegemeyer said. “The new school will provide much-needed relief for our staff and students and Brabham [Middle School] and Lynn Lucas [Middle School], resulting in class sizes more conducive to both campuses.”

The middle school will be a two-story campus accommodating up to 1,200 students. At the heart of the school is a two-level media center that includes a makerspace, community room, and additional collaboration areas allowing for flexible instructional groups. The new campus will feature a dedicated CTE lab, allowing Willis ISD to further expand the CTE program and create pathways for students to pursue trades or certifications at Willis High School. Academic areas also include a robotics lab, art labs, a band hall, choir hall, orchestra ball, black box theater, weight room, cheer room, and dance room.

“Recognizing that sixth graders have different needs from eighth graders, we’ve created distinct neighborhoods for each grade. These neighborhoods will offer students a place to learn and socialize, complete with dedicated planning areas for their very important teachers,” Superintendent Dr. Kimberly James said. “As you can see, this is going to be an incredible school, built with the students of Willis ISD in mind.”

“As part of VLK Architects, I am excited to help provide this modern middle school for Willis ISD and continue to meet the needs of this important and growing community,” VLK Principal Rayce Boyter said.

With construction now underway, Willis ISD plans to welcome students and staff to the new campus at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

VLK Architects provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients.