Picture bright classrooms, bold colors, and children learning, making music, and sharing work they’re proud of. FLAMA opens in August 2027 in the historic Folgers coffee plant at 235 N. Norwood St. at Navigation.
Architectural rendering. Photos will replace renderings as construction finishes.
Since 1938, the Folgers coffee plant has been part of Houston’s East End. Now this historic building is being transformed into FLAMA: a school where children can find a favorite book, learn a new song, and create something of their own.
Designed by OMA New York, the team behind POST Houston, FLAMA brings music into the building itself. A staircase curves like a French horn. Gathering spaces take their shape from cymbals. Children will have room to read, practice, perform, and learn together.
Classrooms sit along the outside walls to bring in natural light. Circular skylights brighten the shared spaces. Younger children learn on the ground floor, with space for play, movement, and drum circles. The design includes libraries on Levels 2 and 3. Level 3 is a future construction phase and will not be available in 2027–28.
Design team: OMA New York · Architect of record: RDLR Architects · Landscape: SWA Group · Acoustics: Salas O’Brien.
Take a look at what’s coming. These images show the full campus vision. Level 3 and the rooftop play space are future phases and will not be available in 2027–28.
Sing together, try an instrument, and practice something new every day.
A shielded courtyard and inviting playscape welcome students to their school day.
Classrooms with natural light, close to spaces for music, reading, and learning together.
Find a favorite story. Read with friends. The design includes a library on Level 2. A second library on Level 3 is planned for a future phase and will not be available in 2027–28.
Room to move, play, and practice that next shot. The rooftop basketball court is planned for a future construction phase and will not be available in 2027–28.
The dining space also hosts assemblies and performances, with a curved staircase inspired by a banjo. FLAMA is developing partnerships to provide free breakfast and lunch daily.
Visitors check in at the courtyard’s entry gate.
Arrival and pick-up details will be shared before school begins.
Our youngest students learn on the ground floor, with shared spaces for play, movement, and drum circles.
▶ 6 slidesHow a historic coffee plant becomes a playful school shaped by music.
View the design presentation →
FLAMA will begin with Levels 1 and 2 open. As additional grades are added, Level 3 and the rooftop will open.
Find the school address and trip-planning links on the Apply page. School hours and arrival details will be shared as plans are confirmed.
Get to know our school, explore the campus plans, and ask your questions. Get school updates to hear about upcoming sessions.
