Ellen Perrault
Two construction and modernization projects completed within the Riverside Unified School District have received regional and national recognition for excellence in educational facility design. This recognition, highlights the district’s commitment to creating innovative, student-centered learning environments.
The construction of Casa Blanca Elementary School and the transformation of John W. North High School both earned 2026 Outstanding Project Awards in the spring 2026 issue of Learning by Design Magazine. Casa Blanca Elementary also earned two honors from the Association for Learning Environments: the Southwest Region Monarch Award and Southern California New Construction Merit Award.
“Both the Casa Blanca Elementary and John W. North High School projects were designed to honor the identity of their communities while creating spaces where our scholars are inspired to succeed,” said Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas. “We are so grateful to our staff, community partners, and project teams whose collaboration and dedication helped bring these meaningful learning environments to life for our scholars and families.”
Opened in August 2025, Casa Blanca Elementary restored a neighborhood school to Riverside’s historic Casa Blanca community for the first time since 1967. Designed as a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-focused campus, the 9.8-acre school features flexible indoor-outdoor learning environments, maker spaces, sustainable design elements, and student-centered spaces that promote collaboration, creativity, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
John W. North High School celebrated its transformation in December 2025 with the grand opening of an eight-classroom science building and an 18,327-square-foot competition gymnasium. The project also included restroom modernizations, campus entry enhancements, ADA accessibility improvements, and renovations to seven existing buildings, including upgraded HVAC systems, ceilings, lighting, flooring, and paint.
Measure O provided $50 million in funding for the John W. North High School project. Measure O is a $392 million bond approved by more than 70% of RUSD voters in 2016 to upgrade and improve district campuses and classrooms, including building new facilities and schools.
“These awards are a reflection of the care, intentionality, and collaboration that went into every aspect of these projects,” stated Board President Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander. “Beautifully designed schools send a powerful message to our students and community that they are valued and supported.”