Class is in session and students at the OC waste no time in getting active!
Nestled amidst the woodland southeast of Dallas, in Forney ISD, the OC stands as a modern complex reminiscent of Silicon Valley.
“It’s the overall vibe here. Having such a great space available in Forney is truly special,” remarked Joey Cortez, a frequent visitor to the new establishment.
The OC, short for Opportunity Central, combines elements of a shopping mall, arena, and high school under one roof.
At the heart of the OC is Melissa Crabtree, affectionately known as “Crabtree,” a figure embodying both CEO and school principal roles, ensuring smooth operations and student engagement.
A flagship offering at the OC is the Synergy class, where students collaborate with mall businesses, gaining practical experience in business management, marketing, and customer relations.
“It’s more than just serving coffee. They’re interacting with managers and business owners, some of whom run million-dollar enterprises. The value of this experience is immeasurable,” emphasized Crabtree.
While the facility resembles a typical shopping mall, it seamlessly integrates classrooms within business premises.
“In traditional high school, it was mainly theoretical. Here, it’s all about hands-on learning,” noted Carmyn Lawson, a floral design student gaining practical experience at a floral business within the OC.
Forney ISD sought a solution to accommodate its expanding student population and enhance its career and technical education offerings. Architects proposed the OC model, which not only saved construction costs but also generated additional revenue through leased spaces.
Students from both Forney high schools are bused in, and relocating career and technical classes to the OC freed up over 2,000 seats at the high schools, alleviating space constraints while providing students with a dynamic learning environment.
While the upper floors serve as a secure school environment, the lower levels are accessible to the public, who are already taking advantage of the amenities.
“It’s quite a change from our time at Forney High School. The transformation here is remarkable,” remarked Daira Kim Carbonell, a patron at the OC.
For the district, the OC represents an innovative space that fosters flexibility and community engagement, creating opportunities for students and forging lasting connections beyond regular school hours.
