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The Waco Bridge got an inside look at the freshly remodeled and expanded South Waco Elementary School on Tuesday, a day before students were to fill the halls and classrooms. After a $26.3 million project, students are greeted by a bright new library and makerspace front and center. Design elements carry over from the new addition into the renovated original building. Paneling, arched hallways, and modern lighting lead you through hallways of classrooms to the expanded cafeteria and brand new gymnasium. Outside, students of all abilities have the opportunity to play on a new adaptive playground.

The library in the new addition to South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
The library in the new addition to South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
A new kindergarten classroom in the new addition to South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Paneling, arches over the hallways, and updated lighting blend the old and new elements of the remodeled South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
The expanded cafeteria with a stage inside the remodeled South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
The new gymnasium inside the expanded and remodeled South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
A new accessible playground for students with disabilities at the remodeled and expanded South Waco Elementary School on August 12, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America

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Justin Hamel is a visual journalist for the Bridge through a partnership with Catchlight and Report for America. He’s excited to help shape the Bridge’s visual journalism by ensuring every story includes...