Our History

A Brief History of the IES Campus and Design

Built in 2006, Isleta Elementary School campus achieved a remarkable seventh place ranking for its architectural design nationwide. Upon entering our campus, you'll immediately notice a captivating visual cohesion throughout.

Every detail of the school, the tile colors, their arrangement, and the strategic positioning of the entrance, embody the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the Pueblo of Isleta as viewed from our elders, parents, staff members and students.

Upon entering the building and directing your gaze upward, you will see a flock of geese flying north, telling us it is time to plant. This meaningful addition was a gift from the interior designer. Proceed to the courtyard, and you will find two cisterns that collect rainwater which is used in the school garden and landscaping. Cross over the bridge and you will be led to the gymnasium, a spacious structure designed purposefully for student activities, community gatherings and celebratory events.

Lively green dominates the color palette chosen to represent the primary wing (lower grades, K-3), where our planting, cultivating and watering is done. The blue tiles represent the water, and the purple tiles represent the mountains. This is a place where our students thrive and flourish, much like a tender plant reaching toward the sun.

The warm fall orange and tan colors are in the intermediate wing (upper grades, 4-6), which represent the harvest. This is a place for our older students to collect knowledge and to mature. The subdued color scheme is welcoming and calming.

The strategic placement of tile throughout the playground area represents the Rio Grande, a river that has sustained life for thousands of years.

Recently, a traditional outdoor horno was built on school grounds. This is a place to bake, gather and feast on homemade treats made by students and staff.

Dekker, Perich, Sabatini Architectural Firm ensured that the history and tradition of Isleta Pueblo would be witnessed by all who walk through our school doors.