By Lindsey Coulter

Principal Larry Natividad, Ed.D., describes the new $225-million Compton High School as breathtaking, calling it a project that redefines the community. More than that, the sprawling new campus is part of a broader shift in how people think about the city of Compton, Calif., and its residents.

���For too long, perceptions of Compton have been shaped by outdated narratives … that fail to reflect the strength, resilience and brilliance of our community,��� Natividad said. ���The new Compton High School stands as a bold statement: The future of Compton is bright, innovative and full of promise.���

The beautiful new 223,650-square-foot campus���brought to life by DLR Group, Swinerton Building Company and project management firm Cumming���was featured as the Facility of the Month in the as an example not only of innovative design and construction, but also progress and possibility.

鎊飪腦瞳厙 spoke with Natividad to understand how the project has helped to rewrite the community���s narrative and create a renewed sense of pride and hope among students and educators.

SCN: How have students responded to the facility?

Natividad: The response from our scholars has been one of awe, excitement and renewed hope. Many students express that it finally feels like they are in a place that honors who they are and who they have the potential to become. The new Compton High School offers a world-class learning environment that rivals top-tier facilities anywhere in the world, and our scholars are inspired by the message that they are worthy of excellence.

Compton High School is more than just a building; it���s a symbol of what vision, perseverance, and community collaboration can achieve. In this environment, our scholars can flourish, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. We���ve seen a rise in student engagement, pride, and a deeper sense of belonging.

At the same time, this transformation brings a new level of visibility and accountability. Some students have shared that it feels like ���all eyes are on us,��� and that can be overwhelming. That���s why we are committed to a systems-based approach that ensures timely support, open communication, and inclusive problem-solving so every student feels heard and supported through this transition.

SCN: How has the new facility changed the educator experience?

Natividad: This is not just a change in location. It���s a transformation in how we educate, inspire, and lead. The transition from traditional classrooms to shared learning studios represents a significant mindset shift in public education. These flexible, collaborative spaces are designed to promote innovation and maximize instructional impact. With this shift comes the opportunity and responsibility for educators to rethink how space is used to support student achievement.

As we move forward, we are laser focused on academic results. Our goal is continuous improvement, with targeted outcomes that include increasing our [California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress] and math test scores in the upcoming year. We are also prioritizing growth in science performance, ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation for all students. We are also mindful that our focus is also to support and enhance the educational attainment for our special education scholars, foster and homeless youth, our English language learners.

SCN: What is your favorite aspect of the design?

Natividad: The open-air feel of the building, especially in the Academic Building, where the majority of our learning studios are located. The high ceilings and spacious walkways create an environment that feels expansive, inviting, and modern. The learning studios themselves are designed as just-in-time classrooms, where educators no longer ���own��� a space individually, but collaborate and share rooms to maximize the building���s capacity and serve more scholars efficiently and effectively.

I also appreciate the thoughtful use of natural lighting. It creates a bright, comfortable atmosphere that encourages breathing room for both thought and creativity. It truly feels like a place built for learning and growth.

The Dr. Dre Performing Arts Center is another standout feature of our campus. With 901 seats, it is designed to host world-class performances and elevate our scholars��� experiences in the arts. Our new gymnasium, which accommodates 903 spectators, marks a major step forward in rebuilding our championship athletic program. Combined with our half Olympic-sized pool, home to our inaugural aquatics program, we are proudly positioning Compton High School to develop scholar-athletes who can become

Olympians, professionals and leaders in the global sports industry.

In addition, our state-of-the-art stadium seats 2,099 spectators and will be the proud home of our Tarbabe football program this fall.

SCN: How does the new campus build a sense of safety and community?

Natividad: Safety is our number one priority. A secure and disciplined environment is the foundation of a vibrant learning community; one where scholars can thrive and pursue their futures with confidence. Our campus is equipped with more than163 cameras and state-of-the-art surveillance tools that monitor activity 24/7. This technology allows us to trace movement from multiple angles and investigate potential threats swiftly and effectively.

A safe campus isn���t just about protection; it���s about creating the conditions where students and staff feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. Our new Compton High School embodies that vision. Through intentional investment in our scholars and facilities, we are building a strong sense of community and belonging. Our students know they deserve the very best educational experience in the world. With access to modern learning studios, student conference rooms, and global connectivity through live-streaming classrooms that reflect real-world industry settings, our scholars are immersed in an environment that boldly tells them that their education matters.

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鎊飪腦瞳厙 spoke with DLR Group Principal Jason Lembke, AIA, and DLR Group Principal Brett Hobza, AIA, about the project and its significance in the Compton community.

Q: What are the main goals of the project?

Lembke: When DLR Group began the conceptual design process for Compton High School our primary focus was on the community, its place in history and the reality of today for its students. The main goal of the project is to set the stage for success in all manners of speaking. For students, this means the opportunity to succeed in their coursework through facilities that support relationships, exploration and engagement. For teachers, the facilities will be a tool, standing future-ready to support teaching and learning. For the community, the pride and legacy of Compton will be honored as the next generation takes its place in the success stories yet to be written.

Q: What are some of the project���s key design elements?

Lembke: The campus was organized so that the architecture reached beyond the site and supported a community presence. The secure boundary is deigned to flex to the needs of the moment rather than inhibit interaction and collaboration. The primary north-south axis became known as the academic boulevard flanked on both sides with career and tech spaces and community services. At the north end, the gymnasium and administration buildings anchor the north quad that in turn faces the community���s government center and MLK memorial. At the south end, the performing arts center becomes a beacon to the community along a prominent city street previously hidden from campus.

Media is infused throughout campus in a state-of-the-art A/V system capable of broadcasting music, interactive LED lighting and digital displays celebrating the arts and Compton���s prestigious broadcast program. We have also planned for things like a four-panel senior class mural where students can paint their story of their journey through high school and many locations for 2D and 3D interchangeable art installations.

Architecturally speaking, the two nearly parallel first floor buildings form the plinth on which the upper level academic facilities are set. Oriented perpendicularly to the academic boulevard, these twin two-story wings house the uniquely planned ���keystone��� classrooms and lab spaces. The keystone shape is narrower at one end and wider at the opposite end to afford a plurality of modalities and curricular explorations like project-based learning and inquiry driven units of study. Furthermore, each keystone is customizable. The technology, utilities infrastructure and systems necessary to support classwork can be tailored space by space and become as specialized or generalized as needed.

Q: How does the project incorporate environmental sustainability?

Hobza: Sustainability will be measured and qualified in many ways as the project develops. Pragmatically speaking, the upper level classroom wings are designed to passively harness daylighting and maximize views, and we���ve planned for the installation of photovoltaic panels. The sustainability diagram depicts more design strategies at work in the design concept. Beyond the design pragmatics, we���ll be working with the district to qualify user-based (student, teacher, administrator and community member) key performance metrics to ensure that other sustainable initiatives are established, fostered and met as the building moves throughout its life cycle. DLR Group will work closely with the district to identify sustainable elements, such as water harvesting, recycling and replenishing the aquifer, as we continue the design process.

Q: How does the project reflect current trends in the education market?

Hobza: As one stakeholder shared with us, ���Compton sets trends.��� DLR Group didn���t set out to replicate ideas or capitalize on trends; we wanted to develop unique and innovative design approaches, empathetic to the community of learners in Compton. The design team sought to ensure that teachers and students had the spaces and tools that they will need to flourish. The keystones, their shape and nested configuration is one model example of this application. As the design process continues, stakeholders will help further the concepts established.

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