Berta S. Palacios Elementary School

The student enrollment of the PSJA ISD grew by over 50 percent between 2000 and 2010. The need for expansion became clear and ERO Architects were called upon to design two new elementary schools. Alfred Sorenson and Dr. Marcia Garza Elementary Schools would open their doors to hundreds of enthusiastic students and teachers.

ERO would return to PSJA ISD to design the 800-student capacity Berta S. Palacios Elementary School. It’s a fully equipped school with 36 classrooms, two computer labs, science and music classrooms, a gymnasium, library, and cafeteria. ERO designed the school to be durable and affordable. Architecture and structural engineering worked hand-in-glove to design an exterior load-bearing structure that would create efficiencies and decrease construction costs.

The PSJA ISD used part of the cost savings to increase full spectrum lighting to boost student learning and achievement. Looking to the future, the school’s wings were designed to allow for future expansions without adversely affecting school operations.