The second grade hallway in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. Every grade has a color-coordinated hallway called a neighborhood to help students navigate the school. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaPosted inEducation
A sneak peek inside Waco’s new Kendrick Elementary School
The Waco Bridge this week got a sneak peek inside the new $47.4 million Kendrick Elementary School, which opens Wednesday. Walking through the front doors, students are greeted by a decorative tree that curves up and over seating and a book nook. It alludes to a fairytale design that runs through both Kendrick and the new South Waco Elementary School. Students are guided through the school by color-coordinated hallways by grade, called neighborhoods. Highlights include an art room with a pottery kiln, a maker space, and a music room that leads backstage.
A kindergarten classroom in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaA first grade classroom welcomes new students in Spanish and English in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaA sign welcomes students to the fifth grade at the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaThe art room in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaArt supplies for students in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaRocking chairs from the old Kendrick Elementary School in the upstairs hallway of the new school on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaThe cafeteria in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaThe gym in the new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 2025, in Waco, Texas. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaThe new Kendrick Elementary School on August 11, 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
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...
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