Opening the Door to New Onsite Schools

August 12 wasn’t just the first day of school at Lamar CISD — it was opening day for two more schools located within a Johnson community.

Our communities are home to more than 25 schools, serving students of all ages. The two newest are Melton Elementary and Randle Elementary, both within Lamar CISD. 

Melton Elementary is the first onsite school in Jordan Ranch, located in Fulshear. The state-of-the-art school is designed for approximately 750 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with classrooms are arranged in pods by grade. The school, with a manta ray mascot, boasts a music room, art and science classrooms, gymnasium and an outdoor learning terrace. The school is named for Willie Melton, a Black farmer and Civil Rights pioneer. He fought for the right to vote in Fort Bend County primaries, helping take the issue to the Supreme Court which voted in favor of voting rights for all.

Randle Elementary is the first Lamar CISD school in Cross Creek Ranch. With 109,645 square feet, the school houses a library, classrooms, cafeteria, gym and more. Students will be known as the Raptors, and the school’s motto is “Hear Us Roar.” The school was named after Viola Gilmore Randle, Fulshear’s first Black mayor. The daughter of sharecroppers, Randle grew up in Fulshear, eventually becoming a business owner, activist and community leader. She served as mayor from 1993 to 1998. Cross Creek Ranch is also home to four Katy ISD schools.

More onsite schools are on the horizon.

Under construction in Cross Creek West is the recently named Haygood Elementary, another Lamar CISD campus. Slated to open in fall 2025, the school is named for local husband-and-wife LCISD teachers and community volunteers James “Dick” Richard and Marinella Haygood.

Haygood Elementary will be the first onsite school in Cross Creek West but not its last. Earlier this year, the school district closed on 100 acres within the community for two new schools. The multi-school complex will be located in the northern portion of Cross Creek West and is part of the 2022 bond referendum. The new schools are expected to open in August 2027.

Land for new schools also has been purchased in two other Johnson communities.

Waller ISD has closed on a 16.118-acre tract in Jubilee for a new elementary school expected to serve approximately 850 students. Cost for design and construction of the school will be included in a bond package expected to go to voters in November. Approximately 175 acres have been set aside for schools within the Hockley community.

Magnolia ISD also closed on land earlier this year for a new elementary school in one of our newest communities, Kresston. Timing has not been announced for the school, which will sit on 15.7 acres in the Magnolia community.