Client
Compton Unified School District
Project Location
Compton, CA
Area
200,000 SF
Capacity
1000
Our design team is leveraging the concept of ‘rise’ to shape the vision for Compton’s Centennial High School. Partnering with key district leaders – and Dr. Dre – we’re creating a school that uplifts students and empowers them to become the best versions of themselves.
Our design reflects both the strength and vulnerability of the community through the concept of “rise.” This concept manifests in the synergy of architectural elements, as the buildings gracefully unite and ascend from the earth. The campus extends a warm invitation to the community, a gesture of inclusivity that goes beyond mere physical structures to become a celebratory space for all.
Our design places a strong emphasis on arts and culture, which are integral to the school’s identity. Modern performing arts spaces, including areas for music, dance, and multimedia production, encourage student expression and creativity. Team teaching is supported through interconnected spaces that enable a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching. Small group rooms are strategically placed to facilitate collaborative work, offering dedicated areas for students to come together, brainstorm, and complete projects in an intimate setting.
Public spaces like the entry plaza and performance courtyards invite collaboration and engagement, turning the campus into a communal hub. These spaces encourage interactions beyond the classroom, making the school a focal point for events, performances, and community gatherings. Dynamic multimedia installations and student-created murals transform the campus into a vibrant celebration of Compton’s cultural richness.
Centennial High School is a model for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our design aims for a 50% reduction in energy use compared to national averages, integrating high-performance strategies that reduce the environmental footprint and create healthier learning spaces. Natural light and ventilation contribute to the wellbeing of students and staff while reducing energy consumption. Water conservation is achieved through efficient irrigation systems and native landscaping.
In the Media
Compton Cracked the Code: How This Urban District Became a Model for U.S. Schools
January 21, 2026Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees President, Micah Ali, explains how the school district is shifting the narrative about their community on the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast.
Watch the podcast
