Dekker is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Silver Consolidated Schools and the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA), with CapitalAE serving as the Owner’s Representative, on the design of the new Cliff PreK–12 Combined School. The project will replace aging facilities with a modern, unified campus that supports student learning, community connection, and long-term district goals. Located on the existing Cliff Combined School site, the new facility will serve students from early childhood through high school within an approximately 56,690 GSF building.
Through collaborative programming sessions, the Cliff Schools Design Committee identified the following Priority Goals to guide the project:
- Create a future-ready and flexible learning environment
- Develop a functional, efficient, and adaptable facility
- Honor and reflect the community’s heritage
- Integrate sustainable and nature-connected design strategies
- Ensure long-term durability and low maintenance
Designing a center of excellence for Cliff
The design includes dedicated kindergarten and early-learning spaces, flexible general education classrooms that support multiple teaching methods, a media center, administrative core, and dedicated areas for special education, enrichment, and student wellness. A new main and auxiliary gymnasium will be positioned adjacent to the dining areas and planned to reflect and celebrate Cliff’s long-standing school legacy.
Because the existing school must remain operational during construction, the project will be phased to maintain a safe learning environment throughout the build-out. After the new academic and support spaces are completed, the outdated structures will be removed, and the remaining site will be improved with enhanced parking, better circulation, outdoor learning areas, and secure, clearly defined campus access.
Cliff Combined School - Site Plan
A first look at the new design
Aligned with the District’s vision for a unified and future-ready school, the design emphasizes flexibility, efficiency, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The campus will meet PSFA adequacy requirements and address priorities such as secure entry, thoughtful site planning, outdoor learning opportunities, and safe construction sequencing.
Grounded in this shared direction, the new Cliff PreK–12 Combined School will provide a safe, modern, and supportive environment for students and serve as a lasting point of pride for the community.
Conversations with YOU shape the design
Your input is critical to the design of the new school. To get your feedback, we've engaged with the Cliff School Design Committee, as well as attended community events.
On August 3, 2026, Superintendent Hawkins, Principal Turner, and Cliff’s Design Committee had the opportunity to visit two state-of-the-art school campuses in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to explore innovative learning environments and experience firsthand the design features, layouts, and amenities that support today’s educational needs.
We explored classroom environments that featured integrated teaching walls, flexible seating arrangements, and an emphasis on natural daylight. Discussions with teachers and staff at the existing campuses provided valuable insight into classroom organization, instructional practices, and the ways in which thoughtful design can support diverse teaching and learning styles. We also considered opportunities to incorporate additional writable surfaces and interactive display panels, allowing students and teachers to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in more dynamic learning experiences.
Also in August, we were invited to attend an open house at Cliff Schools. Ivan Lopez, Project Architect, along with members of the design team had the opportunity to present the preliminary floor plan, site plan, and renderings of the new school design to the Cliff community. The audience had several of the school’s staff, students, parents, and grandparents in attendance.
After our presentation, the Dekker design team took questions, suggestions, and other comments from staff, students, and parents. Your input was valuable in how we continue to shape the design of Cliff Combined Schools!