A new middle school in Corpus Christi will officially be called Lexington Middle School following a vote by the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) Board of Trustees on Monday evening. The name selection process involved district leadership narrowing down a list of 30 name submissions, ultimately leading to the recommendation and approval of “Lexington Middle School.”
Location and Construction Funded by 2022 Bond
The school is currently under construction in southeast Corpus Christi, near Creekside Elementary School. Voters approved a bond in 2022 to fund the development of a new educational facility. This project will create a state-of-the-art school. The new middle school will be ready by August 2025. It will serve hundreds of students in the community.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Student Development
Designed to accommodate up to 900 students, the 159,000-square-foot facility will feature:
- 26 modern classrooms
- Two collaboration spaces
- Fine arts wing
- Media center
- Cafetorium (cafeteria + auditorium)
- Competition gym, practice gym, and weight room
These features will provide students comprehensive learning opportunities while fostering academic and extracurricular growth.
School Colors and Mascot Selection Process
According to a district news release, Lexington Middle School will showcase green and orange as its official school colors. Meanwhile, fifth-grade students from Creekside Elementary will have the exciting opportunity to vote on the school’s new mascot, giving future students a voice in shaping their school’s identity.
The Meaning Behind “Lexington”
Corpus Christi has a deep-rooted connection to Lexington. The city has the USS Lexington, a historic aircraft carrier from World War II. It is now a museum and a landmark. Additionally, Lexington is the name of a subdivision in town and was previously used for an elementary school that has since closed.
Lexington Middle School will become part of the Veterans Memorial High School learning community, and students from Creekside Elementary School will feed into it upon completion.
A Divided Vote on the School’s Name
The board’s decision to approve “Lexington Middle School” was not unanimous. The 4-3 vote favored Trustees Don Clark, Eric Villarreal, Dolly Gonzales-Trolley, and Jaime Arredondo. At the same time, Trustees Marty Bell, Alice Upshaw Hawkins, and Steve Barrera opposed the name. Bell voiced concerns that the district could have chosen a name honoring an individual who significantly contributed to local education.
A Growing Trend in School Naming
While many Corpus Christi schools honor notable individuals, recent trends have shifted toward naming schools after neighborhoods or geographical locations. Examples include Creekside Elementary School and Cullen Place Elementary School. The selection of “Lexington” aligns with this modern approach, reflecting local history and community ties.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As construction progresses, Lexington Middle School is set to become a key educational institution for Corpus Christi. With top-tier facilities, a strong community connection, and an emphasis on student engagement, the new school aims to provide an enriching learning environment for the next generation.