Case Study
Sheldon ISD: A Museum-Like Learning Experience
The Client
Sheldon Independent School District, a district with a longstanding commitment to early childhood education, sought to enhance their youngest learners’ educational experience. With the passage of a bond in 2022, Sheldon ISD allocated resources to construct a new wing at Cravens Early Childhood Academy, which opened in 2024.
The Need
Sheldon ISD wanted to create dynamic, engaging, and equitable learning spaces tailored to the unique developmental needs of Pre-K and Kindergarten students. These spaces needed to:
- Support both left- and right-brain learning styles through purposeful design.
- Address the diverse needs of their predominantly low-income student population, many of whom have limited English proficiency.
- Deliver flexibility to keep learning environments fresh and stimulating throughout the school year.
The district was focused on ensuring their youngest learners could thrive in environments designed to encourage early cognitive development, creativity, and curiosity.
The Solution
Exhibit Concepts collaborated with Sheldon ISD to transform 14 classrooms into museum-like spaces tailored to the developmental needs of Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Each classroom pair was designed to balance left- and right-brain learning styles, providing an immersive and adaptable educational experience.
The left-brain classrooms were structured to support logic, focus, and organization, incorporating photographic murals to encourage observation and clarity. Tables featured simple geometric shapes, aligning with math, science, and structured activities. Additional design elements included measurement-focused graphics, a structured art gallery wall for showcasing individual work, and layouts optimized for activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving. These spaces encouraged individual engagement and precision, fostering a foundational understanding of structured learning.
In contrast, the right-brain classrooms were crafted to inspire creativity, collaboration, and imaginative exploration. Murals combined photographic images with artistic watercolor or painted effects to create a vibrant, imaginative atmosphere. Tables featured expressive, freeform shapes designed to enhance activities in arts, language, and movement. These classrooms included art easels, sensory bins, dramatic play areas, music stations, and cozy corners, providing a dynamic environment for collaborative and exploratory learning. The art gallery walls showcased organic, flowing displays to highlight group projects and creative work, emphasizing teamwork and communication.
The thematic groupings within the classrooms—ranging from Future World and Space City to Pet Vet and Amazing Animals—enabled seamless transitions and ensured alignment with the district’s vision for experiential learning. The convertible nature of the design allowed classrooms to rotate themes halfway through the year, maintaining a fresh and engaging learning environment for the students. This thoughtful approach combined the permanence of durable designs with the flexibility to adapt and evolve as needed, ensuring lasting value for Sheldon ISD.
The Takeaway
Equitable Access to Engaging Spaces: The classrooms provided Pre-K and Kindergarten students, regardless of socioeconomic status, with opportunities to explore, discover, and learn in environments that foster creativity and hands-on experiences.
Museum-Like Learning: By blending left- and right-brain design elements, the spaces mirrored the wonder of a children’s museum, encouraging both individual achievement and collaborative exploration.
Future-Ready Learning: The differentiated design ensured that students were prepared for academic success, closing opportunity gaps and building foundational skills.
Flexible and Intentional Design: The convertible themes and distinct left- and right-brain elements provided educators with adaptable spaces that meet a variety of teaching goals.
“Our new spaces are incredible. It has been a dream of mine to bring back purposeful play and discovery inquiry that’s so important for our youngest learners. When I saw what Exhibit Concepts had done in other districts, I knew this was exactly what our students deserved.”
-Dr. Denise Mustin, Director of Early Childhood
For information on obtaining a tour or project information from Sheldon, you may contact Dr. Denise Mustin, Director of Early Childhood for Sheldon ISD, at denisemustin@sheldonisd.com.
