Uplift Education, a network of community charter schools in North Texas, welcomed the community to the new campus of Uplift Luna Preparatory at White Rock East with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. The event included student-led tours throughout the 17-acre campus, which was purposefully constructed to create a school environment that positively influences students’ mental health and prioritizes both physical and psychological safety.
Uplift Luna, located at 9743 E RL Thornton Fwy in Dallas, combines Uplift Luna Primary and Uplift Luna Secondary, previously located in Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum, respectively. With its new expanded footprint to East Dallas, Uplift Education leadership looks forward to bringing together Uplift Luna scholars, welcoming incoming Uplift White Rock Hills scholars from its feeder school, and engaging with the communities of far East Dallas, Garland, and Mesquite.
Uplift Education takes pride in being an active member of the Ferguson Road community and is looking forward to cultivating strong connections in East Dallas.
“As we unite Uplift Luna Primary and Uplift Luna Secondary under one campus, we are not just building classrooms. We are constructing a pathway to success, fostering a community where every student can thrive and discover their limitless potential,” said Yasmin Bhatia, CEO of Uplift Education.
According to recent statistics, 1 in 4 children and adolescents has received mental health services in the past year. Recognizing the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis among students, Uplift Education collaborated with the Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and HKS, funded by the ASID Foundation, to conduct pre- and post-studies on the benefits of social-emotional learning (SEL) and its correlation with school environments.
The creation and implementation of a Design Guide for Uplift Luna will be studied for its effectiveness in SEL.
The design of Uplift Luna reflects an intentional focus on green spaces, providing students with areas to learn, relax and engage with nature. Recognizing the impact of physical surroundings on the mental well-being of students, Uplift Luna prioritizes evidence-based interior design strategies associated with embracing SEL. Access to green spaces, for example, has been shown to improve standardized test scores and graduation rates for students and improve problem solving and innovation for teachers.
“I feel like I have more space to do work and think, have club meetings, connect with friends, and have a moment to breathe,” said Alexia Daniels, Uplift Luna 11th grader.
Key features at Uplift Luna include:
- 14,000 square foot UIL gym
- 14,000 square foot cafeteria
- Full-size play field for soccer and other sports
- 345 parking spaces with car line queues
- Central outdoor college-style quad area to encourage community.
- Dedicated Road to College and Career wing
- Larger classrooms with a maintained student-teacher ratio
- Ergonomic workstations- increase student comfort.
- Legibility and way of finding the clear use of colors and landmarks and signage for enhanced navigation.
- Enhanced security measures, including a new gated community, additional checkpoints, receptionists, and locked doors.
The Uplift Luna campus officially opened its doors to students on January 4, offering an upgraded educational experience for both students and teachers. The new facility is designed to provide a college campus feel, preparing students for their future endeavors. With more access to green space, state-of-the-art technology, and a variety of learning environments, Uplift Luna aims to create a holistic and supportive educational experience.
source: press release
