The new school’s name is Legacy Elementary School.

The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation did not have a role in the naming of the new school. Uvalde CISD formed a community advisory committee that made recommendations to the UCISD school board for the name of the new school.

Construction of Legacy Elementary School was completed in Fall 2025. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 10, 2025. Classes officially began on October 20, 2025.

The new elementary school in Uvalde CISD is located near Leona and Fourth Street adjacent to Dalton Elementary. This allows for both campuses to access the common spaces like the gymnasium, library, and playgrounds.

Everything about the new school design is intentional. Students, teachers, families and community members have been part of the process every step of the way to ensure that this school represents the community it will serve. Researchers and specialists in trauma acted as consultants and have made impactful and meaningful input into the design and architecture. They came up with the three driving forces of the design process for the school:

1. 1. Brain research: How does the brain learn, process and recall information?
   2. Five phases of emergency management​: There’s more than just the hardening of schools.
   3. Trauma-informed care: Meeting the future occupants of the building where they are.

What does all of that mean?

1. • Classrooms designed for focused, collaborative, and extended learning.
   • Collaboration spaces designed for collaborative and extended learning.
   • Library designed for focused and collaborative learning as well as play.
   • Interior Courtyard designed for collaborative and extended learning as well as play.
   • Outdoor Play Area designed for play.

The Trauma Informed Design Evaluation Tool for K-12 Schools is an evidence-based tool to facilitate interior design renovations and new builds of K-12 schools. It can be used to evaluate the physical space and identify changes that can lower the stress levels of students and staff.

• • Safety: both physical and psychological safety
  • Accessibility: removing environmental barriers
  • Biophilic: connecting with nature and living beings
  • Wayfinding: orientation and navigation
  • Inclusion: equal access leading to comfort and belonging for all
  • Visibility: safety + connection, understanding surroundings
  • Comfort: increase enjoyment and reduce stressors
  • Lighting: both natural and artificial lighting
  • Acoustics: balance the resonance of sound
  • Choice: autonomy and equitable access to the environment
  • Movement: enhance student development and reduce stress
  • Community: reflect, welcome, and celebrate all identities

Safety and security is one of our top priorities at the new campus. The Texas Education Agency School Facility Standards require communications infrastructure, access control, exterior door numbering, security cameras and visitor management. The new campus will create a safe but not institutional environment for our students.

In November 2022, $15 million in state funds were allocated to Uvalde CISD to go toward the building of a new school. If additional state or any federal support is provided, those funds will be used in a way that will support the planning and construction of the school, including but not limited to infrastructure, safety & security, and other ancillary project needs.