CORTADA ELEMENTARY · EL MONTE, CA

Cortada School

The Cortada Living Schoolyard was completed in spring 2026. The project transformed 2.48 acres of campus into a greener, healthier space for about 375 students. Crews removed asphalt and planted 46 new trees, creating a more inviting place to play and learn. Improvements include five outdoor classrooms with native plants, shade trees and seating in the parent waiting area, and a tree-lined walking loop around the play field.

BY THE NUMBERS

What the project delivered

46
NEW TREES PLANTED
5
OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
2.48
ACRES TRANSFORMED
375
STUDENTS SERVED
ON THE GROUND

Take a look

The campus is open and ready for students. These photos show what the new outdoor learning spaces, shade trees, and play areas look like now that the work is done.

Cortada Elementary before renovation: bare asphalt schoolyard with no shade or greenery.
Cortada Elementary before renovation: open play area without trees or seating.
Cortada Elementary before renovation: unshaded walkways and sparse landscape.
Cortada Elementary before renovation: aging campus infrastructure before greening project.
Cortada Elementary before renovation: hard surfaces and limited outdoor learning space.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: new walking path lined with shade trees.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: stormwater garden with native plants.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: green open space replacing former asphalt.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: seating and trees in the parent waiting area.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: new shade structures and outdoor gathering space.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: landscaped campus with mature trees and native plantings.
Cortada Elementary after renovation: aerial view of the completed Living Schoolyard campus.
The completed Cortada Living Schoolyard campus with new green space and shade trees.
Students and staff enjoy the transformed Cortada Living Schoolyard.
EXPLORE MORE

Visit the other schoolyards

Gidley School

79 new trees · 450 students · Construction in progress

Shirpser School

62 new trees · 500 students · Construction in progress