For asset managers, district leaders, and decision-makers invested in the long-term performance of educational environments, design isn’t cosmetic. It’s strategic. This week’s Capitalizing on Color spotlights a powerful example of architectural color consulting at work as we introduce a full case study on San Dimas High School’s campus-wide exterior transformation. This serves as an example of how well-executed campus improvements strengthen community perception, enhance trust, and reinforce institutional identity—making this type of work mission-critical for schools seeking to remain competitive and compelling.
Below is the full case study as completed by Color Works:
Title: San Dimas High School
Location: San Dimas, California
Markets Category: Education
Services: Exterior Design & Paint Color
Date Completed: September 2025
Subtitle: Elevated School Pride Through a Strategic Color Rebrand
Body/Content:
San Dimas High School, located in the heart of Southern California, partnered with Color Works to lead a full exterior color transformation of its campus. The project aimed to dramatically update the look and feel of a beloved community institution while honoring the school’s history and colors in a fresh, modern way.
Market Context
Situated within the San Gabriel Valley, San Dimas High School serves as a cornerstone for the Bonita Unified School District and the surrounding neighborhoods. The campus—defined by mid-century educational architecture and expanses of red-painted brick—had long reflected its era but no longer conveyed the energy or pride of the current student body. With the district’s focus on revitalizing public spaces and community assets, this repaint was an opportunity to redefine the school’s identity while protecting the architectural integrity of the existing structures.
Client Goals & Challenges
The district and school leadership shared a clear goal: modernize the campus exterior to reflect the spirit of today’s students while staying true to the school’s heritage. The most significant design decision centered on whether the existing red-painted brick could remain. Through close collaboration with the district, principal, and campus leadership, Color Works guided a thorough evaluation process, ultimately determining that repainting was necessary to achieve the level of renewal and cohesion the project demanded.
Design Strategy & Solution
Color Works developed a refined palette anchored in the school’s signature bright blue—a defining color of its brand identity. The blue was applied strategically, accenting key architectural moments to create energy and visual focus without overwhelming the overall composition. To balance it, the team introduced clean, neutral tones that grounded the campus in a timeless, California-appropriate aesthetic.
Just as important as what was included was what was intentionally left out. The school’s historic yellow, once a core part of the brand palette, was excluded from the final scheme due to its dated appearance and limited compatibility with the new design intent. The resulting color plan projected confidence and pride while signaling that the school is evolving with its community.
Impact for the District & Community
The transformation achieved a striking renewal of the San Dimas High School campus, dramatically improving curb appeal and strengthening the school’s connection to the community. The refined use of color elevated the overall perception of the campus, making it feel vibrant and current while maintaining an appropriate level of sophistication for a high school environment. Students, faculty, and staff expressed renewed pride in their surroundings, and community members viewed the refresh as a tangible reflection of the district’s commitment to educational excellence and stewardship of public resources. With durable, maintainable finishes and a cohesive design vision, the project not only enhanced day-to-day experience but also ensured long-term value and visual harmony for years to come.
Today, San Dimas High School stands as a renewed reflection of its students and community—a campus that honors its legacy while embracing a bright, forward-looking identity.
Your Next Step
Discover how strategic exterior color planning can elevate your school or campus environment. Connect with Color Works to learn how thoughtful design can strengthen community identity and inspire pride for years to come.
