Calhoun Middle School Replacement Campus Opens Off Crescent Street

As families began entering the new Newton Rayzor Elementary on Wednesday morning, students at the new Calhoun Middle School next door started arriving for their first day of class. And aside from now sharing the same piece of property – which once was the old Denton High School – Calhoun and Newton Rayzor students had something else in common on the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.

Excitement. 

Both Calhoun and Newton Rayzor’s replacement campuses opened on Aug. 7, and like their new neighbors, students at Calhoun were eager to finally settle into their new school. 

Calhoun’s new campus – which is located at 1125 Crescent Street, adjacent to Newton Rayzor – is one of the final projects from the 2018 capital improvement plan that was overwhelmingly approved by district voters. In addition, Calhoun’s mascot has also switched from the Cougars to the Colts – reverting to the school’s original mascot. Calhoun’s colors are now purple and white, which align with the school's feeder pattern to Denton High. 

The 253,691-square foot school was designed by Corgan Architects and built by Balfour Beatty. 

“We are thrilled to welcome our students, families and teachers into our incredible new campus,” said Jacqueline San Miguel-Lozano, Calhoun principal. “Building a new Calhoun is not just about constructing new walls and classrooms – it's about creating a space where dreams are nurtured, futures are shaped, communities are strengthened and traditions are made.”

Notable features of the new Calhoun campus include a large competition gymnasium that was once the Denton High gym. By renovating the old Denton High gym and utilizing the existing bleachers, Denton ISD saved roughly $250,000. 

In addition, Calhoun has also bolstered its commitment to International Baccalaureate (IB) education, with multiple large collaborative spaces for students and staff, and an enclosed, secure open-air courtyard.

“Seeing our students thrive in collaborative workspaces fills us with excitement,” Ms. San Miguel-Lozano said. “These dynamic environments ignite their creativity, foster teamwork and transform learning into a journey of discovery and growth”