The Carrollton City Schools Early Learning Center on Cottage Hill Road is currently under construction.
Partnering play with creativity in a comforting environment, Carrollton City Schools is reimagining what school looks like for its youngest learners at its new Carrollton Early Learning Center. Construction is underway on the district’s one-of-a-kind school for the next generation of Trojans, featuring a community-centric pod classroom design that redefines expectations for the education of 3-year-olds through kindergarten.
Nestled off Cottage Hill Road, the learning center will invite families into classrooms designed for hands-on exploration, alongside flexible spaces that foster discovery and interaction. Large windows flood the building with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for students. The building’s circular design eases navigation and enhances safety. One of the building’s standout features is a 9,500-square-foot indoor play area within a larger, enclosed outdoor playground at the center measuring 62,000 square feet, creating a secure space where children can play freely, enjoy fresh air, and build social connections.
“The Carrollton Early Learning Center sets a foundation for lifelong learning that benefits our entire community. From its inception, this school has been planned to put educational needs at the forefront and create a space that helps students thrive, beginning at 3 years old,” said Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools. “The research is clear that there is a direct correlation to early learning and lifelong success. Our goal is to provide students with an environment where their curiosity, creativity and confidence grow, benefiting them throughout their school years and life.”
Learning that incorporates movement and builds reading skills gives students a strong start to their educational journey. The unique layout features six connecting classrooms that share an interactive common space, reinforcing a close-knit, family feel. The design reinforces that sense of community by replacing centralized spaces, such as a gym and cafeteria, with experiences within each pod. Students will eat meals in their pod, collaborate on projects, enjoy movement and exercise on the playground, and benefit from the shared expertise of teachers across the pod. This simplified setup helps young students acclimate easily and build confidence.
“We want our youngest learners to be excited to come to school every day while having a functional space that best fits their needs. Incorporating a 3-year-old program into the school allows us to emphasize early literacy skills needed for academic success,” said the school’s future principal, Dr. Ryan McKinnon. “At this age, students thrive and learn when allowed to play, practice communication skills—like asking questions or sharing what they need—and actively engage with their imagination. Innovative spaces focused on elevating engagement are designed to target skills development.”
The new Early Learning Center reflects the district’s vision to nurture lifelong learners while strengthening the community for future generations. The construction of the Carrollton Early Learning Center marks an exciting new chapter in childhood education for Carrollton City Schools as it prepares to welcome students for the 2027-2028 school year.
