Mullendore Elementary Earns Statewide Design Recognition
Photo courtesy of Birdville ISD
Mullendore Elementary has been selected for the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards (TASA/TASB) 2026-27 Exhibit of School Architecture and received a Star of Distinction in Design.
The Birdville ISD campus is one of 33 projects from across Texas chosen for this year’s exhibit. A 12-member jury of school board members, administrators and representatives from the Association for Learning Environments Southern Region evaluated the projects. The jury awarded 69 Stars of Distinction across six areas: design, value, wellness, community, planning and transformation.
Mullendore was designed as Birdville ISD’s first Elementary Preparatory STEM Academy, with spaces shaped around hands-on learning. The 101,837-square-foot school includes makerspaces, project-based science labs, outdoor learning areas and collaborative spaces where students can create, experiment and solve problems.
“Mullendore was designed to be more than a beautiful building – it was designed to be a place where children feel welcomed, inspired and excited to learn,” said Dr. Gayle Stinson, Superintendent of Schools. “This recognition is a true reflection of the thought and care that went into creating a STEM-focused environment that our students, staff and community can be proud to call their own.”
Designed by VLK Architects, the replacement campus was built on the site of the original Mullendore Elementary, which opened in 1955. The new school was made possible through Birdville ISD’s 2022 Bond and opened to students in August 2025.
The campus design draws inspiration from gathering around a campfire, using natural materials and textures along with elements inspired by trees, tents and campfires. Its open spaces extend learning beyond traditional classrooms and provide areas for students to gather and work together.
The Preparatory STEM Academy serves students in Pre-K through fifth grade, providing an early foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through project-based learning, STEM fluency and career awareness.
The 2026-27 TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture will feature Mullendore during txEDCON 2026, the TASA/TASB Convention, Oct. 9-10 in Houston.