School History

Longfellow Elementary School in southwestern Houston traces its roots back to 1955, when its original campus opened on Murworth Drive. That facility served the neighborhood for more than half a century, until it was replaced by a completely new, modern building that broke ground in May 2006 as part of Houston ISD’s $808 million bond program. The new two‑story facility—completed in spring 2007 at 3617 Norris Drive—doubled the size to approximately 86,000 square feet, including 33 classrooms, a large media center, art and music studios, an auditorium with a stage, and ample outdoor play and garden space. 

Today Longfellow operates as a fine arts magnet elementary school, offering enriched programs in art, band, orchestra, choir, and dance. The magnet arts model is central to its identity, with facilities and curricula designed specifically to support musical and visual arts education. Its dance curriculum, for example, introduces students from second through fifth grade to multiple genres—from world dance to modern and ballet—and culminates in performances such as the school’s annual Nutcracker shows in collaboration with the Houston Ballet.