Photos courtesy of the West Contra Unified School District and QKA. Final project photos by Tim Maloney – Technical Imagery Studios and aerial photo courtesy of Alten Construction.
San Pablo, CA, Jan. 21, 2026 – West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) recently celebrated the completion of the state-of-the-art Lake Elementary School Campus Replacement Project. The project replaces an outdated and undersized campus, delivering modern, high-performing learning environments to serve 470 students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade.
Funded by Bond Measure R, the project was a collaborative design-build initiative between Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Alten Construction, creating safe, healthy and modern learning spaces to support the surrounding community’s needs.
“This campus marks a new era for our students and the entire community,” said WCCUSD Superintendent Cheryl Cotton. “These facilities are a source of immense pride, replacing buildings that were no longer up to code or capable of supporting our educational programs. The campus now provides students and staff with the essential resources they need to thrive. Thank you to the project team and the community for your support in bringing our new school to life.”
Designed around the innovative “Learning Suite” concept, classrooms are grouped around shared, flexible open spaces and break-out areas to enhance specialized and collaborative instruction. The 56,700 square-feet of new facilities go beyond typical classrooms, including a library, administrative spaces and a new multi-purpose building with a large kitchen now capable of serving the entire student body.
Key improvements also focused on safety and accessibility. Flood-prone grass fields were replaced with new, higher-elevation synthetic turf fields, along with new paved play areas. The school is also solidified as a vital civic hub, with facilities such as the multi-purpose room and library available for permitted community use after hours.
“We are proud to partner with the district and Alten to make the new Lake Elementary School a reality. Our priority was ensuring a safe learning environment both during the complex phases of construction and for generations of students to come,” said QKA Principal John Dybczak.
West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD)
Nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant district that serves a thriving community of over 24,000 students. With 56 schools spread across five cities and unincorporated areas in the Bay Area, we offer an exceptional educational experience that reflects the rich diversity of our region. Visit www.wccusd.net for more information.
