Westlake Academy's new Arts and Sciences addition is under construction at 2600 J.T. Ottinger Road, a 7,500-square-foot, $6.1 million project scheduled to finish by June 27, 2027, according to its state filing. The town-owned charter school also posted strong 2026 results. For Westlake households, the school is both a civic institution and a line item in the town budget, so what happens there shapes the town's appeal to buyers.
What is being built at Westlake Academy?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing for the project describes it this way:
- Name: Westlake Academy Art and Sciences Addition.
- Owner: Town of Westlake.
- Estimated cost: $6.1 million.
- Size: 7,500 square feet.
- Scope: a high school addition with art and science classrooms and a small collaboration space.
- Schedule: start May 25, 2026, and completion June 27, 2027.
The town's Oct. 20, 2026, council recap reported that the construction crane had arrived. A three-week steel delay followed a national recall, though the town said the project's own steel was not affected.
How is the addition being paid for?
A town manager's message in May 2025 said the expansion of the Margaret Lee Arts and Sciences Building would be funded by a donation and matching funds. A New Year's message published in Stroll Westlake described it as funded by a long-standing gift from the Lee Estate. In July 2025, the council also authorized up to $9.54 million in certificates of obligation for water projects and the Sam and Margaret Lee Arts and Science Center, according to the town's recap.
How is Westlake Academy performing?
The Oct. 20 recap included the school's latest results:
- IB Diploma: 60 of 70 full Diploma Programme candidates in the Class of 2026 earned the diploma, or 86%, above the global average.
- Grades 3 to 5 STAAR: five of seven tested areas had at least 90% passing, and the other two topped 82%, all above state rates.
- Middle school: results beat the state average and most comparison schools in every subject.
- High school end-of-course exams: passing rates were well above state levels and generally at or above neighboring districts and IB comparison schools.
The town's 2025 review also noted the academy earned an A rating from the state, with 98 of 100 points, and that the 16th graduating class had 73 students. Athletics have been strong as well, with 54 state varsity championships in the school's first 22 years, according to the same message.
What does the school cost the town?
Westlake Academy is governed by the Town Council, which also serves as its board. That makes the school's finances part of town business. A few recent figures:
- The FY 2024-25 town budget included a $1.7 million subsidy for the academy, according to the town's September 2024 recap.
- A 2025 review found more than $900,000 in annual academy operating costs that had been funded by the town, which the town planned to redirect toward infrastructure.
- For the period ending Sept. 30, 2026, Charter Impact reported academy assets of $3.83 million and a fund balance of $3.28 million.
- The school reported about $250,000 in savings from a technology transition.
Community support is also substantial. The 2026-27 Blacksmith Annual Fund reached 97% of its $1.5 million goal by mid-October, the town reported.
How does this affect Westlake homeowners?
For most buyers looking at Westlake, the academy is one of the first topics raised. Our agents at The Agency Dallas who work Westlake usually walk clients through a few realities:
- Admission rules matter. Westlake Academy is a public charter school with its own enrollment process. Buyers should confirm current policies directly with the school rather than assuming a Westlake address guarantees a seat.
- The facility is improving. A new addition, recent turf and drainage upgrades and a stable fund balance suggest a campus that is being invested in.
- Town finances and the school are linked. Westlake's low tax rate is supported by commercial revenue, and that revenue also helps the town support the academy.
What else is the town doing for residents?
Westlake adopted a FY 2026-27 rate below the no-new-revenue rate, and Northeast News reported an expected $442 decrease in the average homeowner's town tax bill. The council also voted not to renew its police services agreement with Keller and selected LJA as consultant for a new comprehensive plan, the same report said. The comprehensive plan process will be one of the main places residents can weigh in on how the town grows.
How does the academy fit into Westlake's broader growth?
Westlake turns 70 on Dec. 27, 2026, according to the town. It reaches that birthday with a busy construction pipeline that includes Hillwood's Front 44 project, ongoing work in Entrada, 25 new single-family home permits in the most recent reporting period and the academy addition. Our Southlake and Westlake page covers the town's neighborhoods and how they relate to the commercial corridors.
The academy's expansion is modest in square footage, but it reflects a town that treats its school as a long-term asset. By the time the addition opens in summer 2027, families moving to Westlake will find a campus with new art and science space and a track record that supports its reputation. Our agents at The Agency Dallas will keep following the project and the comprehensive plan for clients in town.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Westlake Academy addition be finished?
The state construction filing lists a start date of May 25, 2026, and a completion date of June 27, 2027, for the Westlake Academy Art and Sciences Addition. The town reported in October 2026 that the crane had arrived on site. A brief steel delay followed a national recall, but the project's own steel was not affected.
How big is the new Westlake Academy building?
The addition is about 7,500 square feet with an estimated cost of $6.1 million, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. It is a high school addition with art and science classrooms and a small collaboration space, located on the academy campus at 2600 J.T. Ottinger Road in Westlake.
How did Westlake Academy students do on IB exams in 2026?
The town reported that 60 of 70 full IB Diploma Programme candidates in the Class of 2026 earned the diploma, a rate of 86%, above the global average. STAAR and end-of-course results across elementary, middle and high school grades were also reported as above state averages.
Does living in Westlake guarantee a spot at Westlake Academy?
Not necessarily. Westlake Academy is a public charter school with its own enrollment process and priorities, which can change. Families should confirm current admission rules directly with the school before buying, and should also check which public school district serves the specific address as a backup or alternative.
Who pays for Westlake Academy?
The academy receives state charter funding, and the Town of Westlake, which governs the school, has provided additional support, including a $1.7 million subsidy in FY 2024-25. Private giving also plays a large role, with the 2026-27 Blacksmith Annual Fund reaching 97% of its $1.5 million goal by October 2026.
Sources
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Westlake Academy Art and Sciences Addition project filing
- Town of Westlake, Town Council Recap (Oct. 20, 2026)
- Town of Westlake, Town manager message (May 20, 2025)
- Town of Westlake, Town Council Recap (July 15, 2025)
- Town of Westlake, FY 2024-25 budget recap (Sept. 18, 2024)
- Town of Westlake, Town Council Recap (Sept. 16, 2025)
- Stroll Westlake, New Year's message
- Northeast News, Westlake Town Council adopts 2026-27 budget (Sept. 16, 2026)
