Newton Rayzor Elementary Replacement Campus Opens After 64 Years on Malone Street

Long before the doors opened for the first day of school on Wednesday morning, students and families began lining the sidewalk for a chance to take a photo in front of the new Newton Rayzor Elementary. 

After 64 years on Malone Street, Newton Rayzor’s replacement campus opened on Aug. 7 on the site of the old Denton High School. Newton Rayzor is now located at 1221 Crescent Street, and families were bursting with excitement to start the year at their new school

“We’re from Mississippi and moved to this area. The first thing we looked at were the schools,” said Newton Rayzor parent Chasza McCaskill. “Denton ISD is one of the best school districts, and they have proven that today.”

The 100,964-square foot campus was funded by the 2018 capital improvement project that was overwhelmingly approved by district voters. Newton Rayzor’s new campus was designed by Corgan Architects and built by Balfour Beatty. 

“We could never have imagined a space as magnificent as this,” said Shelly Panter, Newton Rayzor principal. “The attention to detail and the focus on both student and teacher needs make our new building a truly special place for education and growth.”

An International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, Newton Rayzor’s new campus features four dedicated collaborative common areas, designed to encourage interaction and teamwork among grade levels. In addition, the school also has an enclosed, open-air courtyard with seating made from recycled ocean plastics and an art room courtyard. 

The school was designed so each corner of the building is filled with natural light, creating a serene environment optimal for learning.

“As an IB school, our approach to communication, collaboration, learning and action is integral to everything we do,” Ms. Panter said. “Our new campus is a testament to innovation and thoughtful design, maximizing every space to its full potential.”