Community Transformation through an Emphasis on Education

Compton High School

Community Transformation Through College Prep

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Project Location

Compton, CA

Client

Compton Unified School District

Area

223,650 SF

Grades

9-12

Compton High School stood for over a century on the culture and values of the Compton community. In respecting that rich tradition and history, our design for Compton High School carefully honors its commitment to the community while paving a new educational standard for students and staff. The vision for the new high school meticulously unfolded over the last decade through intentional community and stakeholder outreach.

The 223,650-SF future-ready learning campus is intentionally tailored to create connections between its buildings, spanning 34 acres. Through the campus鈥� Academic Boulevard, students are immersed in opportunities for project-based learning, flexible learning environments, and CTE curriculum. Compton鈥檚 notable athletics success shines through a state-of-the-art stadium, tennis courts, and a half-size Olympic pool, exposing students and fans to collegiate caliber athletics facilities. The Andre 鈥淒r. Dre鈥� Young Performing Arts Center is named and made possible through a generous $10 million contribution from famed Compton resident, Andre Young. Compton鈥檚 historical performing arts culture is perpetuated through the 900-seat performing arts facility.

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Welcome to Compton

The design for Compton High School leverages the Compton community鈥檚 notoriety and history and sets a new course for academic excellence in the district.

Welcome to Compton

Community

Designing for Community Intersections

Compton High School鈥檚 design prioritizes community involvement and cultural heritage. Our team worked closely with a large number of community stakeholders to capture Compton鈥檚 spirit, pride, and inclusivity, creating a campus that reflects shared values. Features like the Performing Arts Center and open campus design are intentional community-centric elements, inviting residents to engage daily. Beyond education, the school embodies its role as a civic hub, fostering connections through accessible spaces for public events, vocational training, and communal gatherings.

Front entrance of Compton High School; orange sign with the name, modern facade and greenery in front of blue skies; community neighborhood design

Academics

Creating a New Education Culture

CUSD鈥檚 vision to transform education for every student drives the redesign of Compton High School. This ethos shapes a campus that nurtures project-based learning, college readiness, and collaboration. Flexible classrooms, adaptable spaces, and CTE-integrated pathways ensure personalized and future-focused education. Movable walls and multi-modal suites create an evolving learning environment, immersing students in real-world experiences and preparing them to thrive as future leaders.

Compton High School common space with varying blue color wall features and blue tables; community-based design with tables and comfortable lounge chairs

Excellence

Collegiate Caliber Facilities

The athletic facilities at Compton High School are collegiate-level and designed to serve as community resources. Anchored in Compton鈥檚 rich sports legacy, the campus features a state-of-the-art stadium, tennis courts, and a half-size Olympic pool. These facilities elevate student-athlete experiences with seamless integration of academics and athletics. Serving as a civic resource, spaces like the gym and field house support public engagement, while new programs like aquatics and lacrosse expand opportunities for students and the community alike.

Performing Arts

A Worldclass Cultural Incubator

Thanks to Dr. Dre鈥檚 generous $10 million donation, Compton鈥檚 Andre 鈥淒r. Dre鈥� Young Performing Arts Center is a cornerstone on campus. The Performing Arts Center embodies the city鈥檚 deep cultural roots in music and performing arts, providing students with a professional-grade venue to express and excel. Supported by Dr. Dre鈥檚 vision, it features industry-standard acoustics, lighting, and stage technology, along with unique programs like video production and digital music labs. This space celebrates legacy, fosters creativity, and serves as a community hub, inspiring pride and opportunity for the next generation of Compton artists and performers.