Allen ISD's youngest students walked into a transformed building this school year.

Anderson Early Childhood School reopened for the 2026-27 term after a $30.4 million renovation that converted the former elementary campus into a dedicated early childhood facility with six themed learning rooms.

The project, funded by the district's $442 million bond package voters approved in November 2024, touched roughly 102,000 square feet.

Crews replaced flooring, wall paint and fixtures throughout the building and redesigned the lobby, reception area, administrative offices, cafeteria and library, Community Impact reported.

Six new spaces anchor the redesign. The experiential learning rooms are named Blue Planet Adventures, Cosmic Discoveries, Eco Garden, Exploring Texas, Imagination and Journey in Time. Each is built around hands-on play and sensory exploration for pre-K and kindergarten students.

"Everything from the colors and thematic design to the height of sinks and flexible spaces have been intentionally designed to meet the needs of our youngest students," assistant superintendent of Learner Services Jennifer Wilhelm said in an email to Community Impact.

Wilhelm said the rooms let children explore real-world concepts through dramatic play and collaborative problem-solving, building early literacy and numeracy skills.

Bond context

The Allen ISD board of trustees approved funding for the Anderson renovation in December 2025. The money comes from Proposition A, the $419.1 million portion of the bond that covers full renovations, mechanical and electrical work, roofing and foundation repairs at multiple campuses. Proposition A passed with 56% of the vote; a companion measure, Proposition C, added $23.1 million for computer upgrades and passed with 53%.

Anderson was one of three campuses to reopen renovated before the Aug. 14 first day of school. Cheatham Elementary and Curtis Middle School also received bond-funded upgrades, according to Allen ISD's announcement.

What families should know

Anderson Early Childhood School, officially George J. Anderson ECS, serves pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. The district's pre-K program is open to children who turn 4 by Sept. 1, 2026. The campus enrolled 439 students as of its most recent profile.

Huckabee Architects and CORE Construction managed the renovation. No additional bond-funded projects at Anderson have been announced.