Two new elementary schools open in Katy ISD as superintendent welcomes 94K students back to class

Campuses across Katy ISD welcomed more than 94,000 students through their doors for the first day of the 2023-24 school year Wednesday morning, and to celebrate the district’s first day back, Superintendent Ken Gregorski greeted students in person at the newly opened Faldyn Elementary.

New schools address area growth

Faldyn Elementary is one of two campuses opening its doors for the first time ever. Faldyn Elementary and Youngblood Elementary, both located in the northwest quadrant of the district, were built to accommodate rapid growth in the area, Gregorski said.

“We’ve been growing significantly in Katy for many years,” Gregorski said. “By about 2030, we should see about 100,000 students.”

The addition of the new elementary schools in Katy ISD brings the total number of elementary schools to 46 campuses. Gregorski believes the district is responsible for the overall population boom in Katy. 

“People are coming to Katy,” he said. “And why are they coming to Katy? For our schools.”

Superintendent welcomes students

The district has been working tirelessly to prepare for the new school year, Gregorski said, and he’s anticipating a productive year.

“(Students) can expect a world-class education every time they come in,” he said. “They're going to get great teachers in these classrooms and these kids are going to get prepared for the future.”

Most importantly, he added, he wants students to have fun.

“If you're coming to school and school is not fun, then we're doing something wrong,” he said.

About the new campuses

The new elementary schools are designed to house 1,150 students, according to Maria DiPetta, media relations for the district. 

The schools have 57 classrooms, six collaborative spaces, two science labs, two art studios and two music rooms.

Each school is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including smart panels, Chromebooks and iPads in each classroom, DiPetta noted. 

The campuses were funded through the 2021 school bond and cost about $38 million to build.