(Austin, Texas, Sept. 29, 2025) – Austin Independent School District broke ground on its transformation of Burnet Middle School with DLR Group leading the project design. The campus is one of five middle schools prioritized by the district in its equity-based Long-Range Plan. The project centers equity by design, and focuses on how the district engages the community in decision making and facilities planning. It was a catalyst for a record-breaking $2.4 billion bond for the district.

Informed by community outreach and input, DLR Group’s design provides a completely reimagined and modernized school on the existing site, transforming the campus and surrounding neighborhood. The new middle school will be open and inclusive to the community, celebrating the many nationalities and the diversity of those who live there.

Burnet Middle School’s new building is 240,000 SF and will serve 1,200 Austin 6-8 graders. The $158-million facility (total project cost) features learning neighborhoods with classrooms, makerspaces, art rooms, and CTE spaces. In addition, Austin ISD integrates sustainability measures prioritized in the Long-Range Plan, including LEED and AEGB Green Building certifications. The school will open fall 2027.

Learn more about how DLR Group’s K-12 Education design studio continues to support the needs of communities like Austin and others across the state of Texas.